MEASUREMENT & MONITORING PORTABLE , SIMPLE , DELIVERED
CRESSALL
Load bank technology to meet today ’ s expectations
As an essential piece of testing kit , load banks play a crucial role in ensuring safe , reliable power across many industries . While the market is well established with many applications remaining the same for years , changing demands and capabilities suggest there ’ s still room for growth in the sector . Here , Andrew Keith , division director of load bank manufacturer Power Prove , shares his insight into the future of load banks .
A greater focus on sustainability , an increase in digitalisation and a growing global population means that demand for electricity is exploding exponentially . In 2021 , global electricity demand grew by almost six per cent , according to the International Energy Agency , and it ’ s showing no signs of slowing down . As a result , almost every organisation is increasing its reliance on a secure , constant power supply to keep operations flowing as expected .
Load bank applications are , in general , well defined , whether it ’ s testing a diesel generator that acts as a standby power supply , verifying a battery ’ s condition and confirming whether it needs replacing or acting as a ballast load to keep equipment at optimum operational performance . So , if applications remain the same , how are load bank expectations changing ?
PORTABLE , POWERFUL
Portability has always been a requirement for load bank technicians . Being able to easily transport the equipment to the test site without complex logistics is a nonnegotiable , but it can be complex since test locations can be challenging to reach , like the roof of a city centre building .
While load bank portability is a clearly advantageous trait , portability in the past come has always at the expense of load capacity . Taking the example of testing a generator on the roof of a building , this has traditionally left technicians with two options — use a crane to position a higher capacity load bank or install temporary cabling over the long distances needed to reach a convenient place for the load bank . Neither of these options are particularly simple , requiring advanced logistics and preparation .
However , portable load bank capacities are increasing , as are end-user expectations . Compact portable designs with higher load capacity allow technicians to easily keep a load bank in the back of the van for use as required without added complexity . With higher capacity in a compact size , technicians are able to use portable load banks for a greater range of applications , taking the headache out of vital generator testing for organisations and technicians alike .
FUTUREPROOFED DESIGN
Gone are the days where load banks have to resemble an outdated piece of kit with an aged design and user experience . Moving forward , there needs to be a greater focus on improving their usability to bring load bank technology in line with other products technicians use .
It can be something as simple as providing a digital user interface . Load banks with a digital control system are quicker to set up , making the testing process simpler for technicians . They don ’ t just allow users to select the power level , but also configure instant notifications if any issues or faults arise .
Power Prove ’ s DIGILOAD control system uses a small computer to record and store accurate test data for easy access as and when required . It ’ s the most powerful and flexible solution on the market , and is controllable via a local touch screen on the load bank itself , a rugged remote control or entirely remotely through an Ethernet connection . There is even the option of cloud connectivity .
Modernising traditional equipment with digital solutions enhances their capability
126 PECM Issue 58