Capacitive load banks
Leading power factor load banks, ideal for industrial applications
We provide a fleet of capacitive load banks to simulate electronic and non-linear loads during testing.
Routinely used in utilities, data centers, and other industrial settings, capacitive load banks use capacitors store and deploy electric loads. With a leading power factor, they’re an effective way to conduct load testing while counteracting inductive loads or bringing power factors closer to unity.
At Aggreko, we provide a comprehensive range of capacitive load banks, alongside specialist expertise and engineering excellence, so you can:
- Counteract inductive loads by applying capacitive load
- Test equipment with a specific amount of kVAR
- Correct power factors and make them closer to 1/unity
- Test equipment under fluctuating loads, which may be a closer reflection of your real-world loads
Contact Our Capacitive Load Bank Specialists
A complete range of load testing solutions
Our comprehensive fleet of load banks is carefully balanced to cover the widest possible range of applications, load types, and voltages.
Enabling more comprehensive load testing
- Meet legal requirements for load testing and reporting, using capacitive load banks to validate equipment based on what your typical load looks like. Capacitive load banks are excellent at simulating the fluctuating loads of equipment like servers.
- Test your backup energy equipment by simulating loads to measure performance and efficiency. With our capacitive load banks, you can test equipment at full load and resolve issues before they become costly problems or lead to downtime.
- Resolve maintenance issues including degrading insulation before they escalate into disasters. With regular load testing, you can spot problems sooner – and fix them faster.
- Simulate performance at peak demand safely and accurately with a capacitive load bank. Modular design means you can run multiple load banks in parallel for near-limitless scalability.
- Meet schedules and performance expectations by thoroughly testing your equipment earlier in the process.
Contact Our Capacitive Load Bank Experts
Why choose Aggreko for capacitive load banks?
When organizations need rightsized capacitive load banks for more accurate testing and auditing, they turn to us.
A wider choice
Our capacitive load banks are available at voltages from 400 V to 480V and support frequencies from 50 Hz to 60 Hz.
Sophisticated controls
Our load banks come with innovative controls and data capture, bringing even more flexibility to your testing process.
Extended expertise
We understand your wider energy solution, so we can provide more holistic guidance.
Engineering expertise
Our engineers can design a solution to suit your testing goals, including power factor issues and fluctuating loads.
Outdoor-rated load banks
Our load bank fleet includes outdoor-rated load banks for safe external testing, even in harsh environments.
Comprehensive testing
We provide all the load testing equipment you need, so you can conduct tests with confidence.
Fast deployment
All our equipment is available at short notice and can be delivered and installed in the shortest possible time frame.
Unbeatable reliability
When you choose us, you get equipment that’s constantly tested and ready to deliver from day one.
The trusted partner
Working with us is working with an industry leader with over 50 years’ experience in 80+ countries.
Contact Our Capacitive Load Testing Specialists
Capacitive load testing across major sectors
Sectors that depend on reliable, uninterrupted energy trust Aggreko to support comprehensive load testing processes.
FAQs about Aggreko’s capacitive load banks
A capacitive load bank is a device used to simulate electrical loads that have a leading power factor, typically found in systems that involve the use of capacitor banks or in applications with high-frequency electronics. Capacitive load banks are used to test and verify the performance of power systems, such as generators or UPS systems, to ensure they can handle capacitive loads effectively. This type of testing is critical for industries where power factor correction or high-tech equipment is in use.
Capacitive load banks are primarily used in industries and applications that involve high-frequency electronics, capacitive power factor correction, or renewable energy systems. Common applications include:
- UPS systems: To verify that the system can handle the leading power factor generated by capacitive loads.
- Power factor correction equipment: To test the performance of power capacitor banks designed to improve the power factor in electrical systems.
- Renewable energy systems: Capacitive load banks can be used to simulate loads in wind and solar energy systems where variable power factors are common.
- High-frequency electronics: In industries such as telecommunications, data centers, or semiconductor manufacturing, where capacitive loads are prevalent.
Capacitive load banks ensure that your energy systems can manage complex loads without performance degradation or failure.
A capacitive load bank works by applying a leading power factor load to an energy source like a generator or UPS system. It mimics the conditions that occur when capacitors or high-frequency electronics are part of the load, testing how well the system can manage this type of demand.
During the test, the load bank monitors key performance indicators such as voltage, current, and power factor. By simulating these conditions, capacitive load banks help identify any potential weaknesses in the system’s ability to handle reactive power and ensure reliable operation in real-world conditions.
Capacitive load bank testing is essential for ensuring that energy systems can handle leading power factors and maintain voltage stability. Without proper testing, systems may experience:
- Voltage instability: Leading power factor loads can cause voltage spikes or fluctuations, which may damage sensitive equipment or lead to downtime.
- Overheating of components: Without proper load management, systems under capacitive load conditions may overheat, causing premature wear or failure.
- Reduced efficiency: Energy systems that cannot handle leading power factors may operate inefficiently, wasting energy and increasing operational costs.
Regular capacitive load testing ensures that your energy system is ready to manage these challenges, improving both reliability and efficiency.
Aggreko’s capacitive load banks offer several advantages, including:
- Accurate load simulation: Aggreko load banks simulate real-world capacitive loads, allowing for comprehensive testing of energy systems under these conditions.
- Scalable solutions: We offer capacitive load banks in various capacities, making them suitable for testing both small UPS systems and large industrial setups.
- Expert support: Aggreko’s team provides end-to-end technical support, from setup and operation to data interpretation, ensuring a smooth testing process.
- Flexible rental options: We offer short-term and long-term rental solutions, giving you access to high-quality load testing equipment without the upfront costs.
By using Aggreko’s capacitive load banks, you can be confident that your systems are capable of handling capacitive loads and maintaining stable, efficient operations.
Renting capacitive load banks from Aggreko is a simple and flexible process. Whether you need to perform a one-time test or require load banks for ongoing maintenance, Aggreko offers rental options that suit your needs. Here’s how it works:
- Step 1: Contact Aggreko – Our team will discuss your specific testing requirements and recommend the appropriate load bank size and type.
- Step 2: Delivery and setup – Aggreko delivers the load bank to your site and provides assistance with installation to ensure a proper setup.
- Step 3: Testing and support – Our technical team supports you throughout the testing process, ensuring accurate load simulations and data collection.
By renting from Aggreko, you gain access to top-tier equipment and expertise without the need for significant capital investment.
Capacitive load banks are essential for testing systems that use power factor correction (PFC). PFC systems are designed to improve the efficiency of electrical systems by reducing the phase difference between voltage and current, which improves the power factor.
Capacitive load banks simulate the leading power factor typically corrected by PFC systems. Testing with these load banks ensures that your PFC equipment is performing as expected and that your electrical system maintains a high power factor under varying load conditions. This leads to more efficient energy use, reduced operational costs, and enhanced system stability.
The frequency of capacitive load testing depends on your specific energy system and operational requirements. However, regular testing is recommended:
- For critical systems: Annual testing is essential for systems that are crucial to operations, such as UPS systems in data centers or hospitals.
- After upgrades or repairs: If you have made any modifications to your energy system, testing should be performed to ensure the system can handle the new load conditions.
- Before commissioning new equipment: Capacitive load testing is vital before bringing new systems online to verify their ability to handle the required load.
Routine testing helps identify potential issues early, ensuring your systems remain reliable and efficient under all load conditions.
Yes, capacitive load banks are often used in renewable energy testing, particularly in systems that generate DC energy and convert it to AC using inverters. In renewable energy setups, such as wind or solar energy, the power factor can vary based on weather conditions or system performance. Capacitive load banks help simulate these conditions, ensuring that inverters and other equipment can manage fluctuating power factors without voltage instability or inefficiency. This type of testing is essential for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of renewable energy systems.