Why Are Load Banks So Important For Your Energy Supply?

As the recent power outage at Heathrow demonstrated, testing your emergency backup generators is essential in preventing widespread disruption. Load bank testing replicates real-world conditions, providing insight into the dependability and performance of your backup systems.

What is the purpose of a load bank?

In a nutshell, load banks are used to simulate an electrical load on your critical power systems. They’re designed to test power sources like your emergency power generator or uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) without risking the supply to critical loads, similar to how car components are tested without the real-world consequence of crash injuries.

How do load banks work?

So, how do load banks test your system? A load bank safely draws power from these systems to mimic real-world usage. For instance, with a UPS, it tests each string to identify weak cells that are nearing the end of their lifespan, providing valuable feedback on whether it can handle an emergency power load.

Do I need a load bank for a generator?

Load banks are essential for any emergency power generator. Without one, you have no way of testing its full capacity, meaning your generator could fail at the moment you need it most.

Testing your generator enables you to understand its capability to handle real-world demands. By applying a controlled load, you can verify that it generates the power it is rated for in a safe environment without consequence.

The importance of load bank testing

Load bank testing is invaluable for any organisation that relies on generators, batteries, and uninterruptible power supplies, as it allows engineers to test performance under load to verify capacity and reliability. Additionally, load bank testing can:

●      Identify issues like overheating, weak cells, or inefficiencies

●      Assist with commissioning or maintenance

●      Help your organisation meet compliance and regulatory standards

When should a load bank be tested?

Testing should be performed after installation, as part of your routine maintenance, and following an upgrade. When you’re planning for a high-traffic event, using a load bank gives you reassurance that your system can cope with being pushed to its limits.

These valuable insights enable you to make any necessary adjustments beforehand, so your event can run without a hitch.

What sectors benefit from load bank technology?

Load bank technology offers multiple benefits across numerous sectors, including manufacturing, telecommunications, data centres, hospitals, and construction.

Power loss is expensive, but emergency power generator systems that fail under load can be catastrophic for your business. Let’s say your diesel generator has operated for prolonged periods under a light load, accumulating soot and fuel. Load bank testing can eliminate wet stacking by operating your generator under sufficient load to burn off the carbon buildup.

There are numerous other benefits to using load banks in your sector:

●      Identify hidden weaknesses: Load bank testing simulates real-world demands that push your emergency backups to their limit. It can reveal weakness in battery cells, inadequate cooling, and poor fuel efficiency, giving you a heads up on any issues before they’re tested in a real-life emergency situation.

●      Improve reliability and performance: Testing system performance can be invaluable when demonstrating generator and battery capabilities to customers and stakeholders. In emergency environments like hospitals, where backup systems are critical, testing provides peace of mind.

●      Prolong system lifespans: Your power system can be a significant investment. Regular testing spots minor niggles before they develop into costly issues, saving you time and money and extending the lifespan of your systems.

The advantages of hiring a load bank

If a robust and reliable backup system is a priority for your organisation, you may already have permanent load banks in place. However, if you’re in a remote location without access to power or need to test across multiple sites or voltages, portable load banks offer a lightweight and convenient solution.

Would your organisation benefit from load bank hire? Here’s why it makes sense:

1.   Flexible and cost-effective

Load bank hire makes sense for startups and small businesses that can’t afford the initial outlay for permanent load banks. Moreover, renting is an affordable option for one-off projects or seasonal power requirements. Hiring allows you to spread the costs without an onerous financial commitment.

2.   Right load bank, right time

For organisations with generators spread across different sites, or those with multiple voltage levels to consider, load bank hire is advantageous. It’s financially and logistically viable, allowing you to have the right load bank in the right place exactly when you need it.

3.   Space-efficient

Permanent load banks can be space hogs. It’s far easier to clear some space temporarily, knowing it can be repurposed once testing is complete. If space is tight, hiring could be the right solution for your business.

4.   Hassle-free setup

Renting a load bank couldn’t be easier. Rental firms supply expert technicians to help you get set up and start testing, saving you time, money, and hassle.

5.   Maximise efficiency

Regular load testing is a great way to maximise the performance of your generator or UPS to ensure it’s running at peak efficiency. Testing and optimising performance also has knock-on effects for fuel economy, energy efficiency, and the longevity of your equipment.

6.   Enjoy the best of both worlds

Perhaps you already have load banks installed, but you're opening another smaller facility. Or you’re renting in the short term with a view to buying load banks later.

Renting offers the best of both worlds in the first scenario, providing all the flexibility you need. If you’re currently renting, partnering with a load bank specialist can help you get the right setup for your business. When the time comes to purchase, you get load banks that are tailor-made for your specific business needs.

Get load bank testing expertise from CSL Power Systems

Do you have the capacity in-house to undertake load bank testing? If the answer is no, you may benefit from hiring a load bank from CSL Power Systems

An emergency power generator has one job: to provide backup when your main power supply fails. As supply, installation and testing specialists, we can help you maintain your backup power generators and ensure they’re fit for purpose.

Check out our FAQs or contact our team of generator engineers and book your load bank testing today.