The function of a load bank is to create an artificial load that takes the engine to a certain operating temperature. A load bank inspects the performance of a power system to ensure whether or not the system is capable of providing required level of power in emergency situations. It is a very useful tool that, when applied to a power generator, can extend the service life of the engine and reduce the maintenance cost.
A load bank is an essential device for a facility to perform on-site testing and commissioning of power systems whether standby or emergency. This blog post will discuss some of the advantages of having a permanently-installed load bank.
Many facilities are equipped with emergency power generators capable of meeting the power needs. It becomes easier for companies to expand when they have power systems that can handle the future loads. However, the initial light load can affect the performance of a power generator. To eliminate this, a load bank generates and applies an artificial load to the power generator. And when a facility expands in terms of power consumption, the load bank automatically decreases the applied load. A permanently-installed load bank, in this way, helps facility managers regulate the power demand. Following are some of the major benefits of load bank testing:
- It reduces the chances of power generator failure
- It helps facility managers maintain the required supply of power
- It ensures that all the power systems in a facility will be able to produce electricity to their full capacity
- It removes the carbon from engine and keeps it clean
- It helps prevent the mechanical failure of power systems
- It prevents or reduce wet stacking
Load bank testing is an effective way of preventing or reducing wet stacking which is a serious issue resulting from a diesel power system operating at insufficient load for a considerably long period of time.
When the unplanned power disruptions occur, a proper testing mechanism is the only way to figure out the weaknesses of installed backup generators. The applications of load banks range from hospitals and financial institutions to production plants and computer data centers. A facility manager can schedule the testing on weekly, monthly or annual basis depending on the needs.
Testing is an essential part of a facility’s emergency preparedness plan. It is important to consult and get up-to-date load bank solutions from a reliable company, a power system solution provider that also offers technical assistance and installation/maintenance services. Undoubtedly, the power generators in your facility should perform when you need them the most. Power Systems Plus is a recommended power solution provider in Edmonton. They provide a complete range of load banks to keep your power systems in good shape.