What Is an Electronic Load Test Machine?
An electronic load test machine is a device used to test whether a generator or other power generation equipment can properly demonstrate performance according to its rated specifications (ie, the ability to start sprinkler equipment, indoor fire hydrant pumps, smoke evacuation equipment, etc. in an emergency) in actual operation.
During commissioning or periodic inspection of power generation equipment, a test (pseudo load test) is conducted by applying a certain amount of load to the equipment to be tested in a simulated manner.
Uses of Electronic Load Test Machines
Electronic load test machines are used to perform load tests on emergency generators installed in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, department stores, hotels, inns, office buildings, condominiums, factories, parks, government offices, supermarkets, and other facilities.
According to the aforementioned regulations, either a real load test (a test using actual equipment in the facility) or a pseudo load test can be used for load testing.
- Power failure or momentary blackout of the facility will occur.
- The load factor is not stable.
- It requires numerous people.
On the other hand, the pseudo load test can solve the above disadvantages of the real load test and has the following advantages:
- Since water is not required for the test, there is no risk of electric shock or leakage, and a high level of safety can be maintained.
- The system is compatible with a variety of capacities and voltages. In particular, by combining a transformer, it can handle high-voltage (6600/3300V) and special high-voltage (11 to 77kV) tests, and thus can easily accommodate load tests of large generators.
Principle of Electronic Load Test Machines
The basic internal structure of the (pseudo) electronic load test machine consists mostly of a resistor section.
Electric power (electrical energy) is converted into thermal energy and consumed in the resistor section.
The heated resistor is forcibly cooled by a fan, enabling continuous testing over a long period.
Since the structure of this resistor is almost the same as that of a hair dryer, it can be called a large hair dryer.
There is no major difference in the procedure for conducting a pseudo-load test using the electronic load test machine between high pressure and low pressure.
However, since a large amount of electricity is consumed in the case of high-voltage testing, the electronic load test machine must be large and mounted on a 2-ton or 4-ton truck (vehicle-mounted type).
In addition, the vehicle-mounted electronic load test machine and the generator will need to be connected by temporary cables (therefore, the cables will also need to be cared for).