Diversion Charge Load

Author: DIYer

• Sunday, February 28th, 2010

Load Banks And Power Generation

By: Harvey McEwan

Load Banks: Reliability and Practicality in Power Generation

Power generation entails a number of different resources, tools, and solutions, ranging from generators and transformers to fuel tanks and power accessories. But one of the most useful tools in the realm of power generation is the load bank - a device that applies an electrical load to a power source, then converts or dissipates the resulting power output.

The purpose of a load bank is to mimic the actual load that a power source will see in application. So, while a real load is served by an actual power source, a load bank serves the power source and uses its energy output to test, support or protect that source. This method of power generation is beneficial in that while a real load is often unpredictable and random in value, the load applied from a load bank provides an organized and controllable load.

There are various types of load banks, the most common being resistive load banks, capacitive load banks, and reactive load banks. However, of these three, resistive load banks are most widespread among industries requiring specialized power generation. A resistive load bank provides equal loading power for generators and engines – meaning that for each unit of power that’s applied to the generator by the load bank, the same amount of power is applied to the engine by the generator.

Load banks - particularly applicable to the shipping, oil and gas, and utilities industries - can be put to various uses – one of the most common being in power system testing. For instance, many companies will need to test their lower power factor simulation, frequency converters, or entire electrical systems - often for maintenance purposes. And doing so can prevent the risk of costly power failures, as well as maximize efficient production during routine maintenance. Another common use for load banks is in the construction of gas turbine platforms and the commissioning of newly installed turbine or diesel generators. And finally, load banks are valuable tools in the reduction of wet stacking problems, periodic ‘exercising’ of generator equipment, battery testing, and the removal of carbon build-up on certain electrical or power generation equipment.

Of course, different types of businesses in varying industries will have different needs with regard to power generation and <a href=”http://www.aggreko.com/products-and-services/power-generation-rental/load-banks.aspx”load bank hire</a>. For this reason, load banks come in various sizes, and with different power-factor testing capabilities. What’s more, they’re available in portable and compact forms, enabling use in a range of spaces.

About the Author

Harvey is an expert in the power generation http://www.aggreko.comsector.

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