Load Bank Testing

Load bank testers are used in place of a facilities load. This device develops an electrical load to test for generator output power. Load banks can be defined as a self-contained, unitized, systematic device that includes load elements (system that tests emergency generator and associated systems).

The following types of load testing are available:
LoadBank Testing A Caterpillar Generator

Resistive Load Bank Tester - Individual resistor load banks provide load to the generator. Electrical current is converted into heat by the use of the power resistors. Examples of resistive load is incandescent light bulbs, space heaters and toasters.
Reactive Load Bank Tester - These testers are used to test generators that supply power to motor-driven equipment, transformers and capacitors.
Resistive/Reactive - Both resistive and reactive components are combined into one testing unit. Resistive and reactive loads can be tested in facilities that have both types of loads.

Resistive Load Bank Testing

Resistive load bank testers are the most common type of the two styles of load bank testers. Banks of resistors simulate the load. The resistive load simulates loads such as, lighting.

The load bank tester is connected directly to the generator output. As the load bank tester increases demand, the following generator systems are tested to full capacity:

Generator – Voltage and amperage at rated load
Enclosure Louvers – Opens when enclosure temperature reaches rated temperature
Engine Fuel System – Insures engine fuel system functions while fully loaded
Engine Cooling System – Coolant temperature can be monitored under actual generator load
Engine Air Intake System – Insures air intake system (louvers can be included) operate when demanded

This testing will not allow the generator to produce the full Kilo-Volt Amperage (KVA) rating. KVA is absolute value of complex power equations. A volt is considered electrical pressure and an Amp is considered electrical current. KVA is the product of the amperage and voltage.

Reactive Load Bank Testing connecting cables to prepare for the load test

Reactive load bank testers are used to test the generator set at its rated power factor. Power factor is the measure of how efficiently the load (current) is being converted into useful work output. It is a good indicator of the effect of the load (current) on the efficiency of the generator.

The construction of testers commonly used are:

Resistor – Resistors are connected in separately configured banks. Each bank is energized to simulate a resistive load. Used only for linear loads such as incandescent lights and equipment with heating elements.
Inductive – The major component in this tester is an iron core reactive element. When used in conjunction with a resistive load tester creates a lagging power factor load (current out of phase with voltage). Used to simulate loads of consisting of lighting and equipment with heating elements. All are considered linear loads.
Capacitive – The major component is this tester is the capacitor bank. The operation principle is similar to the inductive system. The dielectric material in the capacitors change the power factor to a leading power factor. The load provided by this unit simulates electronic or non-linear loads typical of telecommunications, computer or UPS (Un-interruptible Power Supply) industry.
Electronic Load Bank – Fully programmable, air or water-cooled design. These testers are used to simulate a solid-state load and provide constant load source for precision testing.

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