High power grid simulator saves energy as it tests EV components
Electric vehicle (EV), photovoltaic (PV) and smart grid components can be tested, using the Chroma 61815 grid simulator from MDL Technologies. It also saves energy as it tests, says the company. It is intended for use by researchers and manufacturers. The high power density grid simulator is a four quadrant, fully regenerative model which produces an AC power output of up to 15kVA in a form factor of only 3U.
The simulator tests EV power supply equipment (EVSE), on-board chargers (OBC) and bi-directional on-board chargers (BOBC), as well as renewable energy equipment such as PV inverters, energy storage systems (ESS), power conditioning systems (PCS), micro grids and power hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) systems.
Its regenerative operation means that power generated by the device under test (DUT) can be fed back into the grid rather than dissipating as heat, which lowers operating costs as well as helping the environment.
The company claims that the 3U rack height ensures that the Chroma 61815 offers the highest power density on the market. Output can be single- or three-phase, and voltage ranges are up to 350VLN and 606VLL. The simulator can achieve 700VLN in a single-phase, three-wire set up. If greater output power is needed, up to three units can be configured in parallel to produce 45kVA from a 9U form factor.
The 61815 can be used for testing to rigorous regulatory standards such as IEC 61000-3-2/-3-3/-3-11/-3-12 and IEC 62116, and for testing EVs to grid (V2G), EV to load (V2L), EV to home (V2H) and energy storage system (ESS) systems.
MDL Technologies also offers the Chroma 61809 and Chroma 61812, which offer the same high level of features but have lower power outputs of 9kVA and 12kVA respectively.
MDL Technologies is an independent UK company supplying a range of electronic test and measurement equipment and facilities. It also offers full consultancy, project management, installation and testing services. It operates in partnership with leading equipment manufacturers in fields such as power, EMC, RF, microwave, wireless, electrical safety and video test solutions.
