Crestchic has announced the launch of a new 200kW load bank, designed specifically for use in data centres.
With over 40 years of experience in designing, manufacturing, selling, and renting load banks and power testing solutions, Crestchic has built a reputation in the data centre sector. After thorough customer research, the team has introduced a stackable 200 kW load bank aimed at simplifying and improving the efficiency of heat load testing in server halls and electrical infrastructure.
Paul Brickman, Crestchic’s Commercial Director, shared insight on the development: “Our years of serving the data centre sector have allowed us to collaborate with key customers and understand their specific needs. We took that feedback to our engineering team to develop a solution that meets exacting specifications.”
The result is a machine that facilitates integrated system tests, is user-friendly, and compact enough for convenient storage. As data centres increase in density, testing cooling systems and conducting integrated systems tests become more critical. This product addresses those requirements.
Measuring 1159 mm x 876 mm x 983 mm, the load bank is compact, allowing multiple units to be linked and strategically placed throughout a server hall. This placement closely mimics the heat generated by servers, replicating airflow patterns and rack configurations, including hot and cold aisle setups.
Operators can configure and control up to 20 linked load banks (totalling 4 MW) using a single LC10 handheld digital controller. This enables full remote operation and easy management of incremental loads, allowing for testing the server hall’s cooling performance, system redundancy, and identifying any potential hotspots that may require reconfiguration.
The units can also connect to Power Distribution Units (PDUs) for testing the data centre’s electrical infrastructure, such as power to servers, switches, bus tracks, and other essential devices. Equipped with heavy-duty casters, the 200 kW load bank is designed for easy mobility within the server hall, enabling full system testing at each PDU location.
One standout feature of the load bank is its low Delta T rise, remaining below 100°C at the exhaust face, which ensures accurate simulation of real-world conditions. This helps assess the cooling system’s ability to handle the expected heat load during actual operation.
In addition, the load bank’s stackable design allows two units to be safely stacked, reducing storage space when not in use. Its design also ensures that there are no awkward shapes or protrusions, minimising the risk of damage. With noise levels at a class-leading 83dBA at 1m, it is well-suited for indoor operation.
“With the industry expecting 99.999% uptime, it’s essential for data centre operators to test their critical systems,” Brickman added.
“These units enable integrated systems testing that simulates real-world scenarios, such as full load operation, power outages, and cooling system failures. This testing helps identify weaknesses or bottlenecks before deploying critical IT equipment. It also provides valuable data on system performance under various loads, establishing a baseline for future maintenance and troubleshooting.”
Crestchic offers various solutions for testing backup diesel generators, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) systems, as well as electrical bus and distribution cabling. Load testing at commissioning and regular intervals helps ensure that systems remain operational and reduces the risk of costly downtime.
The 200 kW units are available for both short and long-term rental, with immediate purchase options and delivery scheduled for January 2025.
