Hiring a Loadbank? Take a Closer Look Beforehand

by James Spencer Blogger

Load banks are extremely crucial for various business and industrial applications. They are considered vital because of their innate ability to test several power sources. The load bank comes with controllable load which is highly predictable. The load is measurable as well. These machineries are developed especially to mimic load at their average or peak level. Typically, a load bank is used to examine the functional ability of a power source under peak or average power loads.

How Does the Loadbank Operate?

The load bank is designed and manufactured to create or mimic a certain capacity of load which is then transferred to a power source. The electrical load is supplied to the power source with an aim to examine the latter’s ability to operate during a power cut. Also, these machineries are useful in protecting various power sources while they are operating in full swing.

The Common Tyes of Loadbanks

A lot of load banks are available these days. These different types of load banks have specific purposes. However, it is vital to match up the load bank with the specific application in order to generate accurate results. Common variants of loadbanks are mentioned below:

Resistive
Inductive
Capacitive
Electronic

Resistive Loadbank: the commonest of all, the resistive load bank uploads electric load to a power source which is run either by motor or engine. The resistive load bank removes load completely from the generating system. Furthermore, the system works in the process where a load is generated by converting electrical energy into heat by means of power resistors.

Inductive Loadbank: An inductive load bank offers reactive load which can be further mixed with resistive load for applications which demand a blend of loads. Some power sources demand mixture of loads, namely resistive and inductive loads. The energy generated by the inductive load bank is further mixed with load generated by the resistive load bank leading to a single load which is further applied on a power source. This power source is engineered to work with a blend of loads. With reference to this, the capability of the load is judged accurately.

Capacitive Loadbank: The capacitive load bank offers reactive load. It is mainly responsible for manufacturing a “leading power factor” load. These machineries are more commonly applicable for power sources requiring non-linear loads.

Electronic Loadbank: The electronic load bank is more popular than the other types. Though they are slightly expensive than reactive load banks, their applications are wide. The electronic load bank is compact. It is precise by nature. In addition to this, an electronic load bank is completely programmable and facilitates continual use. It is also considered a more preferable option than other load banks.

Applications of Loadbanks

Businesses hire loadbank for the latter’s manifold applications in different industrial sectors. A load bank’s purpose is more intense in areas involving evaluation of power generating capability of batteries, generators and various power sources. Load banks are used for the following purposes: