Exploring Bidirectional DC Power Supply + Regenerative Load
Bidirectional DC Power Supply + Regenerative Load
Chroma 62000D
Bidirectional DC Power supplies with high accuracy and the widest operating range provide better control for testing bidirectional EV components, batteries, and PV inverters.
Power Rating
6kW/12kW/18kW/36kW/45kW
Voltage Range
0~100V/600V/1200V/1800V/2000V
Current Range
0~540A
Chroma 62000D programmable bidirectional DC power supplies have both power source and load characteristics, two quadrant operation, and allows feedback of the power from the DUT. They can be used for testing renewable energy power systems including PV/storage hybrid inverters, power conversion system (PCS) on charging/discharging, and as a battery simulator.
The 62000D also is a fit for testing power components used in electric vehicles, such as bidirectional on-board chargers (BOBC), bidirectional DC convertors, and DC-AC motor drivers, and power conversion simulation tests of batteries in both directions.
Power Conversion Testing of Bidirectional EV Components and Microgrid Storage
Renewable energy sources such as PV, EV, fuel cell, and battery are the market trend as the replacement of traditional energy sources (coal, oil, etc.). Yet, the subsequent rising need for electricity will actuate the faster commercialization of distributed energy storage in microgrids. The bidirectional design of power conversion devices urges battery applications to achieve high efficiency, high voltage conversion, and high power density direction, which prompts the need for battery simulation (bidirectional power supply) testing designs.
Digging deeper: How to test a DC-DC Converter. Download this 13 page application note to learn more about how to test a DC to DC converter.
62450D-2000HL
With the widespread use of EVs, there is also a corresponding demand for sound residential, commercial, and city charging networks. This has resulted in a smart grid and energy storage system ecology—from 5kW-30kW smart home charging/storage systems, to 30kW-500kW integrated commercial PV/storage/charging stations, to dispersed large-scale MW-level storage combined with renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and fuel cells. With voltage systems for these high power applications also developing toward 1500V-2000V, battery simulation equipment for related power conversion devices also needs to meet these voltage and power requirements.
As for the test equipment needs of high power conversion devices like PCS, ESS, chargers, and inverters, users often need to consider factors like size, weight, equipment utilization rate, flexible disassembly/re-assembly into multiple power systems for flexible scheduling, and system fault maintenance time affecting R&D and production. The 62000D-HL bidirectional DC power supply features master/slave parallel control capabilities. Single-unit parallel operation is simple and fast. Integrated into a cabinet, these power supplies are suitable for testing string-type PV inverters, able to separately supply multiple MPPT inputs, or quickly parallel to high power input—convenient for use in R&D labs, validation units, and production lines.
Next-Generation 62000D-HL Model Features High Power Density 45kW@4UH and Dual Output Ranges in One-Click Switching
With the maturation of SiC semiconductor devices and the gradual increase in charging standard voltages, EVs are developing toward improved charging efficiency and range by evolving their battery platforms from 400V to 800V. This in turn is driving up the voltages for onboard electrical control systems like BOBC, DC-DC, motor control units (MCUs), and inverters.
Taking a 22kW bidirectional on-board charger (BOBC) compatible with both 400V and 800V as an example, the typical voltage range would be 200V-900V or even higher. The design of the test equipment must account for rated test conditions as well as over-voltage (>130%) protection test margins. Generally, the maximum charging current falls within the 200V-450V range, so current also needs to consider ripple peaks and over-current (>120%-150%) protection test ranges. Under such an operating range, users may need one high-voltage bidirectional DC power supply over 1200V, as well as another with at least 120A current capability. The Chroma 62000D-HL model satisfies this ultra-wide operating range requirement with a single device.
The 62000D-HL bidirectional DC power supply features two ultra-wide output ranges within a single unit. For the 62450D-2000HL model, the High range provides 2000V/60A/45kW, while the Low range offers 650V/180A/45kW. Users can easily switch between the needed ranges to meet test conditions requiring either high voltage or high current. With such a wide operating range, in addition to the High range satisfying high voltage test points, users can even utilize the Low range’s high current capability in load mode to perform long-term reliability testing on two devices under test with a single piece of equipment.
Users can switch between the 62000D-HL model’s dual output ranges by simply pressing the switch on the front panel touchscreen, or by sending a remote command. In an automated test equipment (ATE) production line system, only one 62450D-2000HL is needed – switching between the High/Low ranges via command satisfies both output range operations. After switching, the test instructions can proceed without interruption. Users do not need additional manual disassembly/re-assembly of bridging fixtures at the equipment output terminals, making for a seamless and safe testing experience.
2-in-1: Bidirectional DC Power Supply and Regenerative Load
Chroma 62000D has a bidirectional switch power supply design that offers two-quadrant operation with positive current/positive voltage as well as negative current/positive voltage, enabling both DC power supply output and regenerative DC load. The absorbed energy feeds back to the grid with a conversion efficiency up to 93% and can operate in constant voltage, constant current, and constant power modes. Compared to traditional power supply and load, the 62000D two-in-one bidirectional DC power supply saves space, reduces energy loss and heat dissipation, and is easier to wire and configure.
Digging deeper: Chroma bidirectional power supplies and testing hydrogen fuel cell-related components.
Today’s electric cars typically carry on-board chargers that manage power flow bidirectionally between the vehicle and the grid for operations such as V2G (Vehicle to Grid), V2L (Vehicle to Load), and V2H (Vehicle to Home). The 62000D also offers a pure electronic load mode with constant current (CC), constant power (CP), and constant resistance (CR) control, especially useful for simulating battery charging behavior during development and testing of BOBCs. In contrast to traditional methods requiring separate instruments for DC power supply and regenerative DC load, a single Chroma 62000D unit now suffices for conducting both charging and discharging tests autonomously.
37% Wider Operating Region
We have made significant improvements to the operating range of the 62120D-1200, 62180D-1200, and 62180D-1800 models. The operating current has been increased from 40A to 55A, representing a substantial 37% improvement. Complemented by a corresponding increase in output power, this allows users to operate within a broader range to meet their testing needs even more effectively.
For instance, in the EV sector, our upgraded models cater to the charging current testing needs of 11kW BOBC covering 400V and 800V high-voltage platforms. Similarly, for renewables, our products are now adaptable to commercial PV string inverters, featuring a 120%-150% DC input oversizing design to meet maximum short-circuit current (Isc) demands of 52.5A.
Digging deeper: Download the datasheet to see the compliant models and conditions required to achieve this capability.
Battery Charge-Discharge Mode
The 62000D bidirectional DC power supply offers both source and load operations. Its typical application involves testing the electrical CC-CV characteristics of batteries. When verifying battery specifications, it is necessary to conduct tests under standard charging and discharging conditions. These tests include capacity tests after charging and discharging at different temperature requirements, as well as charging and discharging tests in the End-of-Line (EOL) phase. All of these test items can be easily performed using the 62000D alone.
The 62000D covers the voltage and current range required for common EV/HEV batteries, including 12V/24V/48V low voltage battery packs and 200V/400V/800V high-voltage battery packs. It features a built-in Charge-Discharge mode specifically designed for batteries. This mode allows measurement of battery voltage and current, as well as calculation of battery capacity (Ah). Users have the flexibility to implement cycling tests or auto-stop charge and discharge tests by conveniently setting cut-off conditions.
Digging deeper: Chroma offers a wide range of battery charge and discharge testing solutions.
When connecting the 62000D to the battery, it is necessary to add a safety pre-charging circuit to avoid inrush current to protect the battery and equipment. Contact us for more information.
Solar Array Simulation Function (Optional)
EN50530 and Sandia's SAS models are built right in, allowing users to easily program various solar cell I-V characteristic outputs through manual or remote SCPI control. The SAS SoftPanel includes features such as static and dynamic MPPT test shadowed I-V curve simulation, real-world weather simulation, and an auto-run function for static and dynamic MPPT tests, which generate reports. This functionality makes it the best choice for PV inverter design and verification testing.
When high-power simulation is required, users can connect two or more power modules in parallel. The 62180D-1800, with a current range of up to 40A and a voltage range of up to 1800V, offers a high power density envelope, reaching a maximum of 18kW in a compact 3U package. The 62180D-1200 (1200V/40A/18kW) and 62180D-1800 (1800V/40A/18kW) models support master-slave parallel operation for up to 30 units, enabling a combined output of 540kW/1200V/1200A and 540kW/1800V/1200A for testing commercial string PV inverters ranging from 15kW to 500kW.
Digging deeper: Chroma provides many solutions for PV inverter testing.
More Features
High power density:
18kW in 3U
High Speed Transient
Response <1.5ms
Solar Array Simulation
Function (Optional)
Intuitive and User-Friendly Touch Control Screen
The 62000D family of power supplies can easily be used in any region of the world due to its wide input range of 200-480 Vac and an active PFC low-current harmonic feed to grid, reducing power consumption, power system configuration, and ambient temperature changes under high-power testing.
Model Options
| Model | Description |
| 62060D-100 | Bidirectional DC Power Supply 100V/180A/6kW |
| 62120D-100 | Bidirectional DC Power Supply 100V/360A/12kW |
| 62180D-100 | Bidirectional DC Power Supply 100V/540A/18kW |
| 62060D-600 | Bidirectional DC Power Supply 600V/40A/6kW |
| 62120D-600 | Bidirectional DC Power Supply 600V/80A/12kW |
| 62180D-600 | Bidirectional DC Power Supply 600V/120A/18kW |
| 62120D-1200 | Bidirectional DC Power Supply 1200V/55A/12kW |
| 62180D-1200 | Bidirectional DC Power Supply 1200V/55A/18kW |
| 62180D-1800 | Bidirectional DC Power Supply 1800V/55A/18kW |
| 62360D-2000HL | Bidirectional DC Power Supply 2000V/180A/36kW |
| 62450D-2000HL | Bidirectional DC Power Supply 2000V/180A/45kW |
| A620039 | GPIB interface |
| A636011 | GPIB interface for 62000D-2000HL models |
| A620045 | CAN interface |
| A636012 | CAN FD interface for 62000D-2000HL models |
| 14187 | 62000D SoftPanel |
| B620003 | Optional Solar Array Simulation Function |
Watch
Chroma Bidirectional DC Power Supply Operation
The Chroma 62000D not only provides source and load modes, but offers a bidirectional switch-mode that enables two-quadrant operation providing both DC power and regenerative DC loading. The absorbed energy feeds back to the grid with an efficiency of up to 93%.
What is there to know about Bidirectional DC Power Supplies?
Bidirectional DC Power Supplies operate as both power supply and regenerative DC load. This capability is increasingly important in the renewable energy and electric vehicle industries. This seminar covers our new bidirectional power supplies, features and specs, test capabilities, applications, and markets served.
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