Generator Load Bank Breaker Size

[living2learn]

I have a 1000kW, 1250kVA, 480Y277V generator. It came with a load bank breaker sized at 1200A. The generator breaker is 1600A. I always matched these two when designing but had a manufacturer tell me that they never utilize a reactive component in the load bank only the resistive element which tells me I have a power factor of 1. If the power factor is 1, couldn't the load bank be pushed (100%) to 1250kW which would result in a 1600A breaker.

Thoughts?

 

[waross]

We had the idea to improve the power factor with capacitors and push a 600 KW set up to about 750 KW.
At about 630 KW the prime mover started to lose speed.
But it gets complicated. The first question, is the set prime rated or standby rated? If standby rated 1000 KW may be the maximum capability of the prime mover. If the set is prime rated it should be capable of 1100 KW one hour out of twelve. You may want to test at 1100 KW.
If the load bank is supplied with a 1200 amp breaker then 1200 amps may be all it can sink.
Not sure how you would "push" a 1200 Amp load bank to 1500 Amps.
Overvoltage with a boost transformer??

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[eeprom]

I agree with waross. The load bank is going to drawing it's current according to ohm's law. As long as the generator terminal voltage remains constant, the load bank current draw will remain constant. The load bank is probably 1/2 ohms or so.