Load Banking/Wet Stacking - MULTIQUIP DCA Series Service And Troubleshooting Manual

LOAD BANKING
The purpose of load banking is to simulate the actual load
that a generator (power source) will encounter during an
application. Load banking is a technique used to determine
maximum standby power and system performance. A load
bank provides a load to the generator for simulation and
testing.
The load bank is basically a maintenance tool. This
method of providing a load to the generator is extremely
beneficial because a real load is often unpredictable
and random in value. The load applied from a load bank
provides a controllable load with controls that allow an
operator to incrementally step and vary the simulated load.
Load banking is a critical requirement to ensure the
generator will perform as expected when placed into
service.
To confirm generator reliability, load bank testing should
always be performed after the following service or
maintenance procedures:
„ Scheduled maintenance
„ After any major repair or component replacements have
occurred.
„ Yearly to confirm the unit is in full operational condition.
PAGE 18 — GENERATOR SERVICE AND TROUBLESHOOTING MANUAL — REV. #0 (08/29/23)

LOAD BANKING/WET STACKING

WET STACKING
Wet stacking is a common problem with diesel engines
which are operated for extended periods with light or
no load applied. When a diesel engine operates without
sufficient load, it will not operate at its optimum temperature.
This will allow unburned fuel to accumulate in the exhaust
system, which can foul the fuel injectors, engine valves
and exhaust system, including turbochargers, and reduce
the operating performance.
Wet stacking can reduce the system performance.
MQ Power provides a load management system
(PowerBalance
customer load to help protect the engine generator from
problems resulting from sustained low-load operations.
The PowerBalance
engine load. The load management controller senses and
increases engine load automatically using resistive coils
(Figure 12) when the controller determines that the load
is too low.
ROOF COVER
RESISTIVE
COILS (LOAD)
Figure 12. PowerBalance
) as an option that works with the applied
®
system continuously monitors
®
R 1
R 2
R 3
R 4
A 1
R 5
R 12 A 2
R 6
R 11
A 3
A 10 A 4
R 9
A 5
A 12
A 6
R 8
A 11
R 7
A 10
A 9
A 8
A 7
(Resistive Load)
TM