Chapter One
1 - 4
Introducing Froment Load Banks
Froment load banks are purpose designed to provide all of the facilities needed to quickly,
safely and reliably test generating equipment with outputs up to several megawatts.
Figure 1-2
Froment load bank core components
There are many variations between different Froment load bank models, but Figure 1-2
shows a simplified schematic of the core components to be found in most units.
The diagram contains:
•
An array of load elements grouped in small steps that are individually activated by
switchgear to allow the load applied to the generator to be precisely controlled.
•
A fan and duct forced air system which ensures that the heat generated during testing
is vented safely to atmosphere.
•
Fuses and safety interlocks that ensure that the test can be shut down in a controlled
fashion if any problems occur.
•
A microprocessor based control and three phase instrumentation system connected to
a number of highly accurate voltage and current transformers. This provides automatic
precision control of the test and allow the results to be displayed with better than 0.5%
accuracy.
Cold air
inlet
Fan
motor
Air duct
Fan
contactor
Step 1
Step 1
Step n
Load Elements
Hot air
outlet
Supply-on-test
Remote control
unit
External supply for
fan and controls
Sigma II
load bank
controller
Front panel controls
Load
contactors
Fuses
Phase
rotation
sensor
Current/Voltage
Transformers
© NJ Froment & Co. Ltd. This document may not be copied
or disclosed in whole or part without prior written authority.
