Feature: Power
Keeping things stable How do load banks support ballast
load applications?
By Andrew Keith, Director, Power Prove I
n complex electrical systems, maintaining stability of various system components is key to continuous operations. Tis 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. Te 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. Tis 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. Tis 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. Tis is crucial for safe navigation and operation. In industrial settings, ballast loads are
oſten used to simulate operational conditions 28 February 2025
www.electronicsworld.co.uk
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. Tis 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. Tese 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. Tis 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. Te resistor elements used within the load bank use Power Prove’s stainless steel expanded mesh technology. Tese elements have a very large surface area
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