Intelligent Data Centres Issue 49 | Page 62

GENERATORS ARE ONLY A RELIABLE SOURCE IF PROPERLY MAINTAINED – AND THE ONLY WAY TO DO THAT IS TO USE A LOAD BANK .
Paul Brickman , Group Commercial Director at Crestchic Loadbanks , explores the role of load banks as we move through 2023 . His discussion centres around the importance of load bank technology in the energy and data centre sector and their role in the coming months .
n increasing reliance on power , combined with the

A ongoing energy transition and current energy crisis , has resulted in increased demand for backup power generators . As industry and society as a whole become more averse to the risks of power outages , the generator market is predicted to grow from around US $ 13.53 billion in 2021 to US $ 16.90 billion in 2027 . As the demand for backup power intensifies , so too does the need for load banks – an essential piece of testing kit that plays a crucial role in ensuring safe , reliable power across many industries .

What is a load bank ?
Wherever there is standby power , there is also a need for a load bank – a device that is used to create an electrical load that imitates the operational or ‘ real ’ load that a generator would use under operational conditions – ensuring optimal operation .
A load bank can be used for a variety of applications , whether testing a diesel generator as a standby power supply , verifying the condition of a battery or UPS , or applying a full load to keep equipment running at its optimum efficiency . In short , the load bank is used to test , support , or protect a critical backup power source and ensure that it is fit for purpose in the event that it is called upon .
Increased reliance on power
According to the International Energy Agency , global electricity demand grew by almost 6 % in 2021 , driven by growing global populations , increasing digitalisation and a greater focus on sustainability . The growth is showing no signs of abating , with McKinsey predicting that power consumption will triple by 2050 as electrification and living standards grow .
As a result , organisations across all sectors are increasing their reliance on a secure , constant power supply to keep operations flowing as expected . However , just as with any engine , maintenance is key to ensuring that generators will start when required – making it vital that anyone investing in a generator also explores the purchase or hire of a load bank .
Energy transition
Efforts to address climate change are leading to increased electrification across industry , the transport network and beyond . This uptick in demand for power is coupled with the need to generate power from renewable sources – resulting in a rapidly changing energy landscape . The rollout of renewable power sources such as wind and solar brings with it ongoing investment in

GENERATORS ARE ONLY A RELIABLE SOURCE IF PROPERLY MAINTAINED – AND THE ONLY WAY TO DO THAT IS TO USE A LOAD BANK .

The role of load banks in 2023

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