Radiator Mounted Load Banks Explained

What is a radiator mounted load bank?

A radiator mounted load bank is specifically designed to mount in front of the radiator on a diesel generating set. The engine fans of the diesel gen-set provide suitable airflow to cool the resistive elements. Radiator mounted load banks are intended to supply supplemental load between 50-70% of nameplate kW rating of the gen-set to alleviate the effects associated with light loading.

Why choose a radiator mounted load bank, and considerations when specifying

There are numerous benefits to using a radiator mounted load bank. The units can be mounted on the inside, outside or on the roof of the gen-set enclosure. Radiator mounted load banks can also be installed in exhaust ductwork if necessary cooling air is provided. The overall footprint of a radiator mounted unit is primarily based on the core dimensions of the gen-set radiator. This translates to a radiator style load bank having a smaller footprint compared to portable or permanent load bank designs. A smaller footprint can beneficial in applications where space is at a premium. Avtron offers the smallest radiator load bank footprint vs kW on the market to ensure effective space utilisation.

Radiator mounted load banks are an economical solution for load testing as no cooling fans and related components are required. However, it is important to understand the unit will be specifically manufactured to permanently fit a specific gen-set size affecting the option to use in other applications.

Gen-set airflow exhaust is restricted when a radiator mounted load bank is fitted. A radiator mounted load bank should not be designed for more than 70% of the nameplate kW without the approval of the generator set manufacturer since the additional heat load and back pressure could compromise the engine’s cooling system (particularly in high ambient temperature applications). It is recommended that for applications requiring 100% gen-set kW loading, a freestanding unit is specified.

Avtron’s market-leading radiator mounted load banks are also designed to have much lower back-pressure compared to competitive units. The lower back-pressure helps to prevent the gen-set from overheating during operation which in turn maintains a longer operating life