Load bank testing is a form of preventative maintenance for commercial generators. It offers a way to correctly assess the necessary operational performance and battery autonomy of the uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
What is uninterruptible power supply (UPS)?
The UPS is the go-between for a standby diesel generator, or alternative power source, and protected loads. Most rely on their inverter to power connected loads on a continuous basis, which creates a safe proof supply of electrical energy even in the instance of a mains failure. The UPS is considered a critical feature of power reliability for businesses big and small, allowing continuous operation even in a power outage. Load bank testing is used to make sure UPS is capable of meeting standards and properly functioning.
Why is Load Bank Testing Important?
Load bank testing provides the feedback necessary to ensure the battery is performing at optimal levels. A UPS battery is only as strong and reliable as the weakest link, or rather, the weakest battery cell. By regularly assessing the condition of battery sets, also referred to as strings, it becomes possible to identify weak cells before they can no longer hold a charge. Replacing them now is a favorable alternative to waiting for them to burn out.
Simply turning on a generator doesn’t prove that it works—you must take it for a test drive, per say. By testing the load bank, you can see how much power you have available to you without compromising the system. In other words, the power protection system and its subsequent parts are tested to see how they’ll hold up without any risk to protected loads.
We offer load bank testing to ensure all our generators work at peak efficiency. The best time to conduct the test is one week after the UPS has been working so that batteries are equalized and fully charged. If you conduct load bank testing at the wrong time, it can lead to inaccurate results, making it a waste of time and resources.
Load bank tests offer:
- Efficient and timely documentation of issues with the UPS or generator that can then be resolved before larger issues arise.
- A true assessment of a generator’s ability to provide the required power supply under various conditions.
- Helps remove deposits from pistons, as well as the exhausts and engine castings.
Types of Load Banks
Depending on the size of the UPS system, different load banks are necessary. Larger UPS systems require large load banks, while smaller UPS systems only need a small load bank (around 100kW or less).
There are AC load banks and DC load banks. AC is used to assess the entire UPS system, while the DC load bank is used to test batteries. In addition, there are reactive load banks as well, these are usually large and heavy and have some lag in power factor.
Cooling Power offers Commercial Generators for Rent
Our units range from 30 kW to 2,000 kW—but how do you know how much power you need? After all, the first step to finding the right commercial generator is knowing how much power you require. We are more than happy to come out on-site and to determine the appropriate generator for your needs and budget.
Benefits to Renting from Cooling Power:
- 24-hour a day customer support & on-site service
- We provide all necessary accessories
- Upon request, we can provide installation
- Load testing included with all rentals
- Generators go through extensive pre- and post-operation inspections and all necessary maintenance
- Molded case circuit breakers are included on-board
- Trailer mounted for easy delivery and set up
- Fueling services + fuel tanks provided