Load banks apply controlled electrical loads to power sources. Resistive elements convert active power into heat, while inductive and capacitive elements exchange reactive power with the source.
Unlike variable field loads, load banks provide predetermined and adjustable loading conditions, enabling reliable testing, commissioning, and performance verification of electrical power systems.
Hilkar AI-Series anti-islanding load banks are designed for testing grid-connected inverters by simulating various electrical load conditions. They incorporate purely resistive, inductive, and capacitive loads with segmented combination control to achieve accurate power input adjustment and full-load testing.
Available in portable and stationary configurations, AI-Series load banks provide load step increments as low as 1 kVAr, enabling precise load control and power factor adjustment for small to large inverter and power generation systems.
Suitable for both workshop and on-site testing, AI-Series load banks can also be supplied as trailer-mounted units for flexible field applications.
- Power capacity up to 5000 kW and ±5000 kVAr
- Fine load step resolution of 0.2%
- Operating frequency: 50 / 60 Hz
- Intelligent control system
- Configurable load combinations: R / L / C / RL / RC / RLC
- Communication interfaces: RS-232 / RS-485 / Ethernet
- Automatic control and test modes via user interface software
- Remote PC control capability
- Manual control via switches
- Designs compatible with IEC 62116, IEEE Std 929, and UL 1741 standards
- Custom designs available upon request
Hilkar load banks can be equipped with optional touchscreen LCD displays, wireless remote load step controllers, and PC-based control software for advanced testing and monitoring. The control system provides fan start/stop control, electrical parameter monitoring, load step management, timing functions, data recording, test modes, and fault detection. PC controllers communicate with the load bank via a USB connection.
Load banks include circuit breaker protection and provide easy access to switchgear compartments and reactors. Integrated safety functions protect against fan failure, low airflow, overvoltage, overheating, and phase sequence faults. Suitable for flexible field operation, trailer-mounted AI-Series load banks provide reliable solutions for on-site anti-islanding and inverter testing.
| Rated Voltage | Up to 1000 V 50–60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Control | Manual control (local and/or remote) or automatic control via DSP controller |
| Auxiliary Voltage | 400 V, 50–60 Hz (other voltages and frequencies available upon request) |
| Portability | Forklift channels, lifting lugs, and wheels for easy transportation |
| Model | Load Step Resolution | Active / Reactive Power (kW / kVAr) | Dimensions (W × L × H) cm / in | Weight (kg/lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LB.AI | 0.2% | Up to 5000 kW and ±5000 kVAr | Variable as per load steps | Variable as per load steps |
The interface screen consists of five main tabs:
Automatic Control
The automatic control mode allows users to set and apply required power conditions through the following steps:
- 1. Enter the required active power (P) and reactive power (Q) values.
- 2. Press Evaluate to calculate available load configurations.
- 3. Select one of the three proposed alternatives for both P and Q.
- 4. Press Apply to activate the selected load configuration.
- 5. Monitor real-time measurement values during the test.
Manual Control
In both Automatic Control and Manual Control modes, restarting or reconnecting the interface software does not change the current stage status unless one of the following conditions occurs:
- The Stop button on the control panel is pressed
- An Emergency Stop button is activated
- A system error occurs
Stage Status
Stage Faults & System Status
The Stage Faults & System Status tab provides monitoring of system alarms and fault conditions to ensure safe operation of the load bank. The system detects and reports the following faults:
Hilkar load banks can be operated through various control options to meet different testing requirements:
Local Control
Remote Control
Wireless Remote Control
Automatic Control
- Frequency
DC or 50 / 60 / 400 Hz
- Resistive Load Rated Voltage
up to 36 kV 50–60 Hz
- Inductive Load Rated Voltage
up to 36 kV 50–60 Hz
- Capacitive Load Rated Voltage
up to 36 kV 50–60 Hz
- Measurements
V, A, W, VAr, Hz, cosφ
- Applied Voltage and Frequency (System voltage and operating frequency)
- Installation Type (Mobile or stationary)
- Load Step Resolution
- Service Location (Indoor or outdoor application)
- Resistive, Inductive, Capacitive
- Required Active and Reactive Load Capacity (kW / kVAr)
- Blower and Control Voltage (Auxiliary supply voltage requirements)
- Control Power Supply (Internal and/or external)
- Meters (Voltmeter, Ammeter, kW meter, kVA meter, cosφ, frequency meter)
- Optional Communication Interface RS-232 / RS-485 computer interface (wireless interface available upon request)
- Automatic Controller Required / not required
- Wireless Remote Control Required / not required
- Protection Degree IP20 (indoor), IP20 (outdoor under roof), IP55 (outdoor)