Load Bank Applications
Stand-by or emergency generators need to be tested on a regular basis (as set out in the manufacturer’s guidelines) to
ensure proper and efficient operation as well as maintain their warranty. Load Banks allow a standby power system to be
tested and exercised under load to verify its overall reliability to perform in an emergency power situation. Testing can be
accomplished using a portable unit and bringing it to the site each time, or using a dedicated stationary or radiator-mounted
unit. The load bank removes the risk to the critical facility load of total loss of power and loss of quality of power.
The Purpose
The most common application for load banks is in
conjunction with stand-by generator testing. Typically
supplied at 50% of the rated power of the generator, load
banks allow the units to be tested under “normal
conditions”. The load bank verifies the engine’s ability to
reliably provide the required horsepower while also
proving the auxiliary equipment is fully functioning. Load
banks are also used to test UPS and battery systems.
When a load bank is used, the artificial load it provides
brings the system up to an acceptable operating
temperature. Bringing a diesel engine generator set up to
operating temperature eliminates excessive fuel build up
and prevents unburned fuel deposits accumulating in the
engine. This is known as "wet stacking" and occurs
primarily when diesel engines are run on low or unloaded
conditions.
Occasionally, a request is received for a resistive/reactive
load bank. This allows the customer to simulate loads
more accurately. However, the cost adder for a reactive
component is twice the price of the resistive steps; thus
very few quoted jobs are ever purchased due to the high
price.
Radiator/Duct Mounted
Mounted on the radiator, duct-mounted
load banks use the engine’s fan for
cooling, minimizing cost and footprint.
Key information to ask for:
Total kW
Radiator dimension, HxW
(A drawing is better)
Minimum step size
Voltage
Airflow in CFM
Indoor or outdoor enclosure
Remote or integral controls
Automatic/manual operation
Stationary
Stationary load banks are most
often used with paralleled
generators or larger systems, and
are usually outdoor mounted.
Important information includes:
Total kW
Minimum step size
Voltage(s)
Blower Power
(or CPT)
Horizontal/Vertical Exhaust
Remote or integral controls
Automatic/manual operation
Special site considerations
Portable
Portables come in three styles:
suitcase, caster-mounted or trailer
mounted. Suitcase LB’s are handy
for service groups as they weigh
under one hundred pounds, easily fit
in a truck and can be ganged
together in urban areas to test roof
mounted gen-sets. They are normally
under 125 kW. Caster mounted (or optionally with fork-lift
channels) normally range up 500 kW, often dual voltage
and useful for factory testing. Trailer mounted usually
exceed 400 kW and are used by service groups for
maintenance testing of gen-sets. Selection criteria
includes:
Total kW
Maximum Weight/Dimensions
Minimum step size
Metering
Voltage(s)
Remote or integral controls
Blower Power
Automatic/manual operation
(or CPT)
4750 Olympic Blvd ● Erlanger, Kentucky 41018 ● USA
Toll free 800-537-6144 ● Facsimile (859) 283-2978
www.postglover.com
Load Bank Applications
Quotation Preparation Checklist
This is intended as a handy checklist to keep in front of you for use during customer phone calls about load
banks. It contains all the major information we require to prepare a concise quotation quickly, and can guide
people new to load banks through the process.
TYPE
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AC Resistive
DC Resistive
Resistive/Reactive
Reactive
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□
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Portable, hand carry
Portable, casters
Stationary
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Radiator mount
Core dimensions:
Height:_______
Width: _______
Airflow: _____ CFM
LOAD
Voltage: __________ V
Frequency:________ Hz
Power: ________ kW
________ kVAR
________ A, DC
Resolution: ______ kW
(steps)
______ kVAR
______ A, DC
DETAILS
Enclosure:
Controls:
Control power:
Blower power:
Metering:
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
Indoor
Integral to load bank
External (____ VAC)
External (____ VAC)
None
Analog
Digital
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
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Outdoor
Remotely mounted
Internal from bus
Internal from bus
Volts
Amps
kW
kVAR
Frequency
OTHER
Please list any other design details that should be considered.
4750 Olympic Blvd ● Erlanger, Kentucky 41018 ● USA
Toll free 800-537-6144 ● Facsimile (859) 283-2978
www.postglover.com