Load bank is a simulating load testing equipment used for the testing. Usually load banks are mostly used for the testing the different electrical equipment’s like batteries, generators and electric motors. This is done by taking the engine to a certain working atmospheric pressure and temperature to visualize the mechanism of the equipment to be used in an emergency situation. Easier way of thinking about this is that the aim of load bank testing fundamentally acts as a test run for emergency generator use and enables for exposure to any faults or issues before a chaotic situation.
As generators are used for the backups in the industry, homes, hospitals so they need a power backup. Generators became useless and they became useless on the very important time. So, for this problem to solve, there is a test called generator load bank test which tests the whole generator performance during the working. For that there is a load called generator load bank used which acts as the real load and provide the actual conditions on which the generator will work in the future.
Load bank for generator tests are
- Kw load
- Ac voltage
- Hertz
- Oil pressure
- Amperage rating
- Voltage tested
Load bank vary with respect to the KW of the generator and generators also vary with respect to the power required and that’s how they differ with each other and that’s how their testing vary.
Load banks are very important in testing the generators. Test is under fixed timings and the KW of the load bank increase simultaneously under specific increments. Every time the load on engine increase, the engine and alternator parameters are recorded. Testing the generator under the high load, constant load shows us the working of generator. It shows the generator if it falls for constant high load and stay in a good health.
If a powered generator having diesel engine is not frequently used or only runs on light loads, the exhaust system may be susceptible to having unburned fuel and soot buildup. When wet-stacking happens, the genset is likely to achieve poorly, endure damage, become a fire hazard, and may even lead to complete failure.
There are multiple generator benefits for the testing of generator with the help of generator load bank testing.
Benefits of generator load banking test are:
- Find the efficiency of the new and older generator.
- If problems find out by the load bank, can be made correct before major losses.
- It checks the cooling system of the engine.
- It provides assurance that the generator will work properly from the given time duration.
- It assists to avoid the wet-stacking and also become the cause of the carbon deposits.
Steps include the testing of the generators are:
Checking of fluid level in every tank, checking of the radiator and coolant tank and the starting of generator is done. After that load is connected and load stated with the 220 volts single phase generator. Monitor the generator while testing whether it is heating or cooling and also monitor other important aspects of the generator. Then reports are made and changings are made if needed.
So, we conclude that the generators must having testing certificate from the load banks which gives surety about the future use of the generator.