This Load Bank navel gazing is putting a but too much emphasis on this step. It is a required step in much the same way that checking that your blinkers and brakes work before you drive off down the road. Relax!
It is expected to work but it is a requirement just in case the alternators have a problem. They don't want the grid upset by some sloppy fault detection. When you put the power on to a new house, the electrician has to check that the wiring is not faulty. That is about the strength of connecting to the load bank.
If the step causes a failure, then the fault is simply fixed. It isn't a big deal. These alternators have worked in a different location for years and yes, they are a bit on the old side, but no, they are not expected to blow up.
The only other function it serves is to accurately measure the power output of the whole system. Until you put the engines under load, you can't really get an accurate measure of what the fuel is delivering. But again, this is going to be within an expected range.
Well that is my opinion. While I am not a power engineer, I do have an electronics background and way back in a distant past I had to learn AC theory.
Incidentally, the way I see it, these engines are probably the fussiest form of energy conversion that this gas will ever have to cope with. The next step is a 25mw steam turbine power station. That means the gas will be simply burned to make steam and not have to cope with the eccentricities of an internal combustion engine.
Another chance to stock up again today. We have been so lucky with the price these last couple of weeks.
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