A Few Aspects in Load Bank Testing for Power Backup System

For the majority of emergency and standby generator sets are programmed to work on a weekly basis, and in most cases, the load banks run for one hour. This is a necessary test of the starting system that includes a battery, charger, block heater and fuel system. The ability of the generator, to produce electricity, circuit breakers, voltage regulators and automatic transfer switch can’t be tested until and unless the ATS transfers the facility from the utility to the generator after the scheduled start. 

However, two potential problems can make standby generators unreliable. The primary one is without testing the complete system under working conditions and a utility power failure; it is not possible to uncover the problem in the system. The second one is continued operation under no-load conditions can cause wet-stacking of diesel engines that are caused due to condensed fuel and oil particle accumulation around the exhaust system, valves, injectors that can reduce the performance of the generator.

A loadbank is an important tool, that will test the complete generator system up to the rated load. The test should be conducted on an annual basis. Well, before you schedule load bank installation, there are a few aspects to plan early to run the testing smoothly. Whatever load bank type you use, your test depends on your location, external power, cable and experts involved in testing. If you overlook any of these issues, these may cause fines, delays in schedule or may cause injuries.

• Location: Both the reactive and resistive loadbank emit a massive amount of heat and the exhaust from the side or top the system. To ensure the optimum safety, make sure the loadbank has adequate airflow and space to ensure minimised risk of hazards.

• Cable: It is one of the main components to have the right cable for load bank setup. Irrespective of what type of load bank you have, it has long-running cables with multiple connection points that result in loss of amperage, increased demand for cabling and higher investment on testing. You can minimise additional costs by shortening the cable and reducing the distance between the connection points.

• External power: There are chances that you may need external power. Fans and controller can be powered for selected loadbank unit. The load test team will have quicker setup time and eliminate to rent the generator and locate the shore power. However, upon power failure, the fans and controllers will stop working. And, what if a loadbank lost power? It can undergo under an immediate hot shutdown, and the entire tested data will be lost. Make it a point to check the load bank prior to the load test to ensure that the load testing unit can handle the hot shutdown.

• Experts to ensure the overall success of the load test: Having qualified people for load testing is important to ensure the success of the load test. A qualified operator should have a complete understanding of load bank unit to ensure proper operation during the test. Each state and country has its own regulations to verify the testing personnel to meet the necessary qualification. Each test administrator should be equipped and skilled to run the load test concerning the weather condition, preset capabilities.

For necessary support, call a local manufacturer to know about loadbank rental and technical specifications, testing requirements and other essential awareness to execute the load testing.

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Created on May 27th 2019 07:58. Viewed 498 times.

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