5MW loadbank

Crestchic will unveil an innovative 5MW medium voltage loadbank at the Power-Gen 2014 International event.

It is designed to leave a smaller footprint and will be on display at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, US, on 9 to 11 December. Ddelegates will be able view the new loadbank on Crestchic’s biggest stand yet at booth 3869.

The revolutionary design combats some of the challenges that traditional methods of testing medium voltage generators include.

A specially designed flatbed transformer is fully integrated into the base of the container and complemented with sophisticated ABB medium voltage switchgear, digitally relayed to accurately set the voltage control. The loadbank enables testing at 3kV up to 13.8kV.

The 800sq ft stand will house the 5.0MW, 20ft containerised loadbank, allowing visitors to view the compact design inside the loadbank.

Crestchic’s Paul Brickman said: ""The US is the biggest market in the world for power testing, and therefore loadbanks, so Orlando is an ideal location for the global industry to come together.

"Standard low voltage loadbanks with step-down transformers typically come in the form of two containers, which require two trucks for transportation. In large countries like America, this is an extortionate logistical expense.

"Similarly, directly connected medium voltage resistor loadbanks take large crude steps, which means results in very poor control. Most directly connected medium voltage resistors cannot work in the rain and require elaborate protection by motorised doors on top of the package, an unnecessary complication in our opinion.

"If time equals money, then not being able to work in the rain can cost a fortune. However, our fully integrated loadbanks are packaged within a container and are therefore suited to all weather."

POWER-GEN International is the industry leader in providing comprehensive coverage of the trends, technologies and issues facing the generation sector.

Every year, more than 22,000 power professionals attend to view a wide variety of products and services.

This year there will be four co-located events:

  • Nuclear Power International
  • Renewable Energy World North America
  • The POWER-GEN International Financial Forum
  • The GenForum

"As the biggest event of the year, Power-GEN International is a highlight of our exhibition calendar and an opportunity for us to present our offering to a truly global audience," Brickman added.

"This year is even bigger than before, and we’re really excited to share the new design with existing and prospective clients. As always our experts will be on hand to answer any questions."