~ How do load banks support ballast load applications? ~
In complex electrical systems, maintaining stability of various system components is key to continuous operations. This is where ballast loads play a critical role, acting as controllable elements that balance power, prevent fluctuations and ensure smooth operations. Here, Andrew Keith, director of load bank manufacturer, Power Prove, explains how radiator mounted load banks support ballast load applications across transport and industrial applications.
In essence, a ballast load is a controllable load that is used to stabilise electrical systems by absorbing or providing a specific amount of power. The main purpose of a ballast load is to balance the power system, ensuring that the generated power matches the demand to prevent fluctuations that could disrupt operations, tariff agreements or damage equipment.
How does a ballast load work?
Ballast loads are typically used to simulate operational conditions by providing a dummy load that mimics the actual electrical load of the equipment. This allows for the testing and verification of the power system’s performance under controlled conditions. By using a ballast load, engineers can ensure that the power system can handle its maximum capacity safely and efficiently without risk of overload or underload, which could lead to operational failures.
In addition to maintaining system stability, ballast loads play a critical role in load balancing, which involves distributing the electrical load evenly across the system. This prevents any single component from being overburdened, which could result in inefficiencies or malfunctions.
A stabilising solution
Ballast loads are used in a variety of applications across different industries and are commonly found in the marine industry, where ships installations rely on ballast loads to balance their power systems. Onboard generators, essential for providing electrical power to the electrical drive system, can experience significant fluctuations in load demand due to varying operational needs. Ballast loads help to absorb excess power or provide additional load as needed, ensuring that the electrical systems remain balanced and stable — crucial for safe navigation and operation.
In industrial settings, ballast loads are often used to simulate operational conditions in machinery and process systems. In applications where the connected load may vary over a wide range, either because of seasonal variations or the nature of the load itself, it can be beneficial to add some additional load to keep the engine operating at least at 20 to 40 per cent of its capacity. This allows for the testing and maintenance of power systems without interrupting production processes, preventing the need for avoidable downtime.
The load bank solution
Radiator mounted load banks offer a unique solution for managing ballast loads in various applications. These load banks are designed to be integrated with the cooling system of a generator, using the radiator to dissipate the heat generated during load testing. This integration provides several benefits, making radiator-mounted load banks a versatile tool for ballast load management.
Power Prove’s radiator mounted load banks are offered with two load steps, each representing 50 per cent of the total power rating, enabling incremental steps for ballast or test loads. The resistor elements used within the load bank use Power Prove’s stainless steel expanded mesh technology. These elements have a very large surface area in relation to their mass, giving excellent heat transfer capabilities and making them ideal for ballast load applications.
The construction is designed to maximise the use of convection air for ventilation, providing the longest possible lifespan for the load banks elements. They provide a practical and efficient solution for managing ballast loads in various applications, ensuring that power systems remain stable and reliable while minimising the need for additional equipment and space.
Ballast loads are a useful tool for keeping power systems stable and efficient. Radiator-mounted load banks, with their compact design and seamless integration, provide a simple solution to use this technique, enhancing reliability and optimising space for applications where space is a premium. For industries looking to improve power system stability, these load banks offer an efficient way to maintain the system’s equilibrium.
For more information on Power Prove’s radiator mounted load banks, please visit the website.
