LOAD BANK OVERVIEW
A load bank is a device designed to provide electrical loads for testing various power sources. Although the most common use of load banks for testing is with engine generator sets, in fact, any device which generates electricity may require a load bank for testing,service or calibration. This includes UPS, batteries, power supplies, fuel cells, solar cells,wind turbines, hydro generator,etc.
LOAD TEST CAPACITY
The desired capacity of the load test is expressed in kilowatts (KW). KW corresponds directly to engine HP (0.746 HP=KW) and is developed exclusively by the resistive load bank. Adding reactive load changes the total KVA of the load, but does not alter the KW or HP load. A purely resistive load bank provides a realistic and effective test of the prime mover and causes full load currents.
TYPES OF LOAD BANKS
There are two types of load banks: resistive, reactive, and resistive/reactive. Resistive: the most common type, proves equivalent loading of both generator and prime mover. Inductive: Inductive loads consist of iron-core reactive
elements. Capacitive: A capacitive load bank creates leading power factor loads.