When efficient power generation testing and system proving are vital

Modern businesses and institutions are completely reliant on power supplies and require standby generators for continuity in the event there is a failure in the public power supply. It is essential that standby systems are regularly tested in order to ensure they operate effectively and are powerful enough to take up the load in a mains failure. A loadbank from Crestchic provides a means to commission, test and service all types of power sources, including generators, turbines, batteries and fuel cells.

A loadbank provides an electrical load that can be controlled remotely and simulate demand in real operating conditions. Crestchic has supplied loadbanks to enable tests of up to 10MVA for power critical environments, such as hospitals and data centres. Loadbanks can provide a variable resistive load (kW), a resistive/reactive load (kVA) at a variable or fixed power factor or a DC load for the discharge of batteries.

Our loadbanks vary in size from 30kW to 6000kVA and are designed to operate at 3 phase, 50 or 60Hz. The larger units are containerised and transportable. Being modular, they can be linked together to provide loads of 50MVA and above. Normally the loads operate at 380 volts to 480 volts 50/60Hz. To accommodate higher voltages we can supply transformers to step down the test supply to suit the loadbanks.

The largest specialist loadbank manufacturer in the world, our products and services are supported by unparalleled knowledge, expertise and understanding of your needs.

Testing solutions from the world’s leading loadbank manufacturer

Loadbanks for used to test the effectiveness of standby systems in a variety of situations:

Running a generator on full load helps to avoid “wet stacking” where the engine’s performance is compromised by unburnt fuel, lubricating oil and condensation caused by a light load on the alternator and low engine temperature and exhaust gasses.
Using a loadbank to simulate actual demand will prove whether the controls and switch panels work as expected under real conditions.
Regular “black start” testing will ensure that in the event of a power failure the standby system is capable of taking on the full load in 10 to 15 seconds of the generator starting.
Frequent operation of the automatic transfer switch (ATS), which regulates the sequence of large load application and shedding, for example lifts, HVAC motors and compressors, will facilitate its long term proper operation.
Regular discharge of the UPS using a DC loadbank will ensure it can be maintained in its fully charged state for as long as possible.
Load testing of the total demand will ensure that any changes to the power profile of the building or process can be monitored – such as a change or upgrade in the A/C or heating, lifts or other machinery or a change in the generator itself (e.g. fuel, air flow, acoustics or change in the exhaust).

Technical Details

Resistive loadbanks from 2kW to 60000kW.
Resistive/Reactive loadbanks from 250kVA to 6000kVA.
Simple manual controls or a programmable microprocessor based system using a laptop as a remote control terminal, incremental 1kW/1kVA load steps. Intelligent paralleling of loadbanks with flexible reporting using full on-screen instrumentation and print-out of test data.
Designed to operate at 3 phase 50 or 60Hz, unity (1.0) power factor (resistive) or 0.8 lagging power factor (resistive/reactive).
Standard voltages of 380 volts to 48 volts, with other voltages available.
Rated for continuous operations inn ambient temperatures of up to 50oC.
Loadbanks built into ISO type containers have fork lift pockets and twist lock corners for easy handling.
All loadbanks are built to a high industrial standard in the UK and the manufacturing processes are certified to BSEN ISO 9001.
Packaged transformers are available from 2.9MVA to 5.9MVA, oil cooled, supplied in ISO type containers with integral MV and LV switch gear. Suitable for either ‘step up’ or ‘step down’ operations at voltages from 2.5 to 15kV.