company news about What types of load banks do data centers use?

What types of load banks do data centers use?

Data centers use various types of load banks, selected based on their core functions (e.g., testing power system stability, simulating IT equipment loads, verifying cooling efficiency) and scenario requirements. Here’s a brief summary:

• By load nature:

• Resistive load banks: Simulate purely heat-generating loads (e.g., CPU or power module heat loss in servers) via resistive elements, used to test power system capacity and cooling efficiency.
• Inductive/capacitive load banks: Mimic inductive (e.g., transformers) or capacitive (e.g., filter circuits) components in IT gear, testing power systems’ ability to handle reactive loads.
• Hybrid load banks: Combine resistive, inductive, and capacitive loads to adjust active/reactive power ratios, realistically simulating IT loads for comprehensive power system testing.

0. By phase:

• Three-phase load banks: Dominant in data centers (matching 3-phase power systems for UPS, generators, etc.), used to test stability of three-phase power systems by simulating balanced/unbalanced loads.
• Single-phase load banks: For small IT devices or single-phase circuits, with lower power as auxiliary tools.

0. By control mode:

• Intelligent controllable load banks: Remotely operable (via PLC, IoT platforms) to adjust power precisely, simulate dynamic IT load fluctuations, and integrate with DCIM for testing power systems.
• Manual fixed load banks: Simple, manually adjusted, cost-effective for basic load verification.

0. By power & form:

• High-power load banks (tens of kW to MWs): Test full/overload capacity of generators/UPS and overall power capacity.
• Modular load banks: Composed of standard modules (e.g., 10kW each) for flexible power combination and easy maintenance.
• High-density load banks (1U/2U rack-mounted): Simulate high-density IT cabinet loads (≥10kW/cabinet) to test cabinet-level power links and cooling.

0. Specialized load banks:

• Nonlinear ones: Simulate harmonics from IT power supplies to test system resistance.
• Battery discharge load banks: For UPS battery testing, controlling discharge current/depth to assess capacity and reliability.

In summary, data centers mainly use three-phase, intelligently controllable, and hybrid load banks, along with high-power/modular types, to test power systems, simulate IT loads, and ensure infrastructure stability. Specialized load banks are used for specific scenarios like harmonic testing or battery checks.