What Is Load Management for Generators?
Commercial standby generators, also known as backup generators are able to provide power to your business or facility in the event of a power outage. When paired with an ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch), the facility’s electrical system will be disconnected from the main power grid and switch over to the generator, the generator will then be prompted to kick in and begin to provide backup power. Essentially, by disconnecting from the main power grid, you are switching off from the electrical lines, which helps protect the generator from overloading when power is restored and will also prevent electrical workers from potentially fatal electrocution when they are working on the power lines.
With all that being said, commercial generators do have their limits. When the load on a generator approaches the maximum generating capacity, the generator will begin the process of “load shedding” or cutting off power to specific equipment or utilities. The generator can also potentially shut down in order to prevent overloading, which is a key reason why calculating power needs and requirements is an absolute must when planning to install a commercial generator in your business or facility.
Load management is the process of balancing the supply of electricity on the generator with the electrical load by adjusting or controlling the load.
Load Management
Generators come in all sizes and power output ratings and are only designed to handle a certain load. If you attempt to power too many items at once, you face the potential of overloading the generator. Load management control is a highly recommended operation to take into account to prevent overloading the generator. A load management system allows users to control when a load is added or shed from a power system.
Load management prevents too many high-current loads from operating at the same time. This process is usually handled via the use of a controller paired with an automatic transfer switch (ATS) and external relay. The relay allows an electronic controller to turn a load on or off by acting as a switch. Signals are sent to the relay and prompt the switch to open or close, which will turn the load on or off.
When monitoring the power output from the generator, the controller can be set to run key specific equipment, machinery, or utilities off generator power. This is known as Priority Loading.
Priority Loading
Priority loading will ensure that you are only providing power to key equipment, machinery, or systems needed within your facility to ensure that your business can continue regular operations, even during a power outage. This could be for manufacturing equipment, processing machinery, temperature-controlled storage, data center servers, etc. Depending on the size and rating of the generator, items that may be considered lower priority can also be powered by the generator in addition to key equipment, machinery, and systems.
Load Management for Generators Running in Parallel
When running generators in parallel, load management can be a critical necessity. In the event that one of the generators shut down or is turned off for maintenance, load management allows lower priority loads to be disconnected and all high priority loads are still being delivered adequate power.
Additional Benefits of Load Management
Load Management can also improve power quality via load bank control. This is when loads are below the desired limit, the load bank can be activated to ensure proper generator operation. Load management can also provide load relief, which is where a single generator can connect to the bus without being overloaded. You can then add loads one by one at a delayed, intermittent interval to allow the generator to recover voltage and overall frequency.
Load management may not always be necessary for your specific use case or application. If you have any questions or looking for consultation in regards to load management for your generator, please reach out to us here at Woodstock Power Company!
Give us a call or send us an email: 610-658-3242 or sales@woodstockpower.com
Additionally, you can fill out our Contact Form with any questions or inquiries and our representatives will get right back to you.
THE WOODSTOCK POWER COMPANY EXPERIENCE
We have industry experts that focus on commercial generator sets, with in-depth industry knowledge to help you choose the right generator that fits your needs.
We are industry leaders in buying and selling used generators to fit the needs of many businesses, including commercial, industrial, medical, agricultural, and university. This includes facilities like hospitals, better living centers, nursing home, airports, hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail centers, manufacturing, production, and more.
Our experts are ready to assist you from answering any questions you may have about power generator sets to help you find the best selection in our inventory based on:
- Peak & Average Power Requirements
- Fuel Preference (Natural Gas or Diesel)
- Portability & Stationary Power
- Prime & Standby Generator Requirements
- Available Space & Exhaust Restrictions
We carry only the most top-rated new, used, and surplus power generator sets for sale, providing you with a great value generator that will fit your budget.
Our generators have been thoroughly inspected, serviced, and verified, which ensures that you will be buying a quality generator that you can depend on. If a generator is not up to par with industry standards, we make all necessary repairs or modifications, and fully test every generator before we sell. This ensures a full turnkey generator that’s ready to fire up and go!
Due to our wide selection of generator sets, we’re confident that we can find the model that best suits your operational needs and budget.
We also buy used generators in good quality, if you have already upgraded and you’re looking to sell your older model.
Feel free to contact us with any questions, concerns, or inquiries to learn more about the Woodstock Power Company experience and the quality level of products & services we provide.