SL1200A Regenerative AC Emulator Series

Introduction

Today’s energy/grid infrastructure is changing and growing rapidly. Variable renewable energy (VRE) and inverter-based distributed energy resources (DERs) in the form of solar, wind, and battery storage are the dominant theme in global grid modernization initiatives. Within the automotive industry, the electrification of vehicles is expected to create significant demand on the grid for charging, while also expanding the opportunity for energy storage through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) power applications.

As the energy mix intensifies, so does the challenge of managing the way we produce, distribute, and consume electricity. “Smart” inverters with grid support functionality have emerged as a key enabler to overcoming such challenges. As a result, inverter manufacturers are required to adhere to a specific set of grid compliance/interconnection standards that necessitate the need for extensive test. To test, grid emulation equipment is required.

DERs are also moving to higher output voltages to reduce losses and costs, moving from 600 to 800 VAC, and potentially up to 1,000 VAC in the future (IEC-LV directive allows up to 1000 VAC). The goal of higher voltages combined with the requirement to provide grid support functions, such as high-voltage ride-through (HVRT), creates the need to test to even higher than the 1000 VAC limit.

To achieve the high voltages needed to test new inverter/control designs, inverter engineers often must either connect multiple power supplies in series or use an external transformer. This leads to costly, complex test setups with an inability to easily expand, along with reduced performance, wasted space, and other additional downsides.

Achieve low- and high-voltage1 without addition of large, expensive transformer

The SL1200A series was designed to handle all your AC / grid test needs up to 1200 VAC, from 30 kW / 66 kVA to 810 kW / 1.2 MVA2 without the need for a transformer. Two voltage ranges are available: 600 VAC and 1200 VAC, as well as two dual-range models. The 600 VAC models are ideal for low voltage inverter test as well as EV and EVSE charging test applications. The 1200 VAC models allow for (HVRT) testing at the IEC LV-AC limit without the need for a large, complex test setup. The new dual-range models can achieve both low- and high-voltage test in the same form factor.

Key features of the SL1200A three-phase AC emulator

• New dual-range models for low- and high-voltage AC and DC3 test in the same space

• High-Power AC (1, 2, or 3Φ) and DC power source

• Up to 1200 VL-L (±1000 VDC) is achieved at full specifications without a transformer

• Up to 1125 Arms (±3240 ADC); up to 810 kW / 1.2 MVA with simple connection of nine units in parallel

• Test to standards, such as IEC 61000, UL 1741 SB, IEEE 1547-2018 / 1547.1-2020, GB/T 37408…

• Regenerative, bidirectional power solution with CV and CC modes, standard on all models

• Get up and running immediately with intuitive soft front panel (SFP) and test sequencing software4

• A complete, one-vendor solution of hardware, software, consulting, and support services worldwide for all grid-edge applications, such as EVSE / EV charging test, V2G, solar / PV inverter test, battery energy storage system test