Grid Simulators for Performance and Compliance Assessment

Testing devices connected to the power grid bears some challenges and safety concerns. This blog post highlights how to handle these tests safely and efficiently.

Grid simulators provide a solution for 3 main test scenarios:

1. Test devices for performance and compliance that are supplied by the power-grid
2. Test devices for performance and compliance that supply energy to the grid
3. Test devices that do both 1. and 2.

This blog highlights the use-cases listed above with an example and conclude with a short product proposal and feature discussion for a grid simulator.

Everything that connects and takes power from the grid needs to be tested to work properly under all kind of grid conditions like voltage spikes, voltage drops, short or long interruptions, under- and overvoltage and frequency deviations. Additionally, a “universal” power supply designed to work with both 110VAC/60Hz and 240VAC/50Hz needs to be tested for the full specified supply range and the above-mentioned grid fault conditions.

 

Scenario 2: Devices that Feed Energy into the Grid

For applications such as inverters for renewable energy, Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) setups, energy storage systems or uninterruptable power supply systems (UPS) the generated AC voltage needs to be tested for functionality, safety (like anti-islanding protection) and compliance to standards.

An essential part of this test is covered by a grid simulator that provides an isolated bidirectional grid with full visibility of all parameters like power factor, frequency, voltages, harmonics and many more.

A test-setup for an inverter could look like as follows: 

The behavior of the inverter (device under test) can be tested under any grid conditions and simulated grid failure modes.

A full bidirectional Inverter and battery controller device test-setup could look like as follows:

 

The Device

A recently released solution for grid simulators is ITECH’s IT7900P family, which is feature-packed to the brim for a very attractive price.

Single Units are 19” / 3U and cover 5kVA to 15kVA. Higher Power up to 960kVA can be achieved by paralleling 15kVA Units. Higher Power Solutions can be delivered ready to use, pre-installed and tested in racks.

• Regenerative grid simulator & full 4-Quadrant AC&DC power source

• Frequency: 16-2400Hz*4

• Power Amplifier function for PHiL applications

• Anti islanding test mode, support for programmable R, L, C and active / reactive power settings*7

• Four output modes of AC/DC/AC+DC/DC+AC

• Multi-channel function, single unit can test 1-3 DUTs at the same time*5

• Programmable output impedance, simulation of real-world impedance Harmonic/inter-harmonic synthesis

• Frequency lock and phase lock function to achieve 6 phase & 12 phase power output configurations

• Compliance tests incl. LVRT /Phase Jump/Frequency variation/harmonic injection

• Regulatory testing includes IEC61000-4-11/4-13/4-14/4-28

• Provides rich trigger configuration, synchronous capture of voltage waveform, data acquisition and simulation functions

• Optional software supports pre-compliance standards test of civil avionics/electrical ships in terms of the multi-national safety regulations.*3

• Regenerative full 4-Quadrant AC&DC load

• Frequency: 16-500Hz

• AC mode supports CC/CP/CR/CS/CC+CR/CE multiple operating modes, and CE mode can simulate a variety of circuit topologies such as single-phase rectifier RLC and shunt RLC.

• DC mode supports 9 working modes, including CC/CR/CP/CV

• AC mode supports both rectified and non-rectified modes. Adjustable crest factor: 1.414 ~ 5.0

• Phase shift function range: -180º~180º*6

• The unit power factor 1 function allows the current waveform to vary with the voltage waveform and the power factor is as close to 1 as possible.

• Supports unloading angle control, 0-359° adjustable

*1 For 1U/2U models, max.16 units can be parallel connected, for 3U models max.64 units can be parallel connected.

*2 Voltage/current harmonic analysis, voltage harmonic simulation in source mode, current harmonic simulation in load mode, fundamental wave≤60Hz

*4 In grid simulator and island simulation mode, 16~150Hz

*5 Not available for single-phase models

*6 After the rectification function is turned on, the setting range of the phase shift is restricted by the crest factor

*7 Not available for multi-channel mode

Do not hesitate to talk to our technical experts about your specific application and requirements.

 

Stay in Touch with Computer Controls AG

We have the expertise and a carefully selected product portfolio available to fulfill your requirements and support your visions with power supplies, E-Loads, Instruments and more. Talk to us. 

Our expertise is just one click away.

 

Talk to our expert