Load banks are used to test electronic systems’ ability to handle voltage. They simulate a full load and system capacity without interrupting operations or risking expensive equipment. Load banks are used in manufacturing and industry to test turbines, generators, backup power systems, and shore power. There are three types of load banks: resistive, inductive, and capacitive. The resistive load bank is the most common and is used to test generators and prime movers. Inductive and capacitive load banks are used to test different types of loads in commercial environments.
In any electronic system there is an electronic load, or amount of voltage, that the system carries. Each part of the system must be able to handle the electronic load it is intended to transmit. To help test a system’s ability to handle this voltage, a load bank is used. Simulate a full load and full system capacity without having to interrupt ongoing operations to complete testing and without having to risk exposing expensive equipment to an untested system.
A load bank, also known as a dummy load, is a test device that develops and applies an electronic load to a power source. Then measure the power of the source. While a “real” power load can be unpredictable, a load bank provides a fully controlled and consistent load so that the system can be tuned and tested at different power levels as needed.
In manufacturing and industry, load banks are used in a variety of applications. They can be used to test turbines and generators. Backup power systems, such as batteries or UPS systems, and shore power can also be tested using load banks. In some cases they can also be used to help solve problems such as carbon buildup on piston rings or wet buildup in diesel engines.
Load banks are useful tools for testing generators. The main reason is that there is rarely enough load available to fully test a generator without disrupting normal plant operations. A load bank allows the plant operator to get an accurate test of generator capacity and functionality. This is important because running an engine under load will cause excessive wear.
There are three common types of load banks: resistive, inductive, and capacitive. Of these, the resistive is the most common. A resistance bank is used to test generators and prime movers. For every unit load applied to the generator, the same unit load is applied to the prime mover. In other words, the resistive load bank removes energy from all aspects of the generator system, providing a more comprehensive test.
An inductive load bank tests loads with lagging power factor. The amount of the inductive load is usually 75% of the corresponding resistive load. This type of device allows the user to test a combination of different types of loads in a commercial environment, such as lighting, motors and heaters. In a leading load bank, a leading power factor load is created. These devices are useful for testing loads on systems used in the telecommunications or computer industry.
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