Includes tests on PV Inverter performance, input and output characteristics, protection characteristics, and PV characteristics testing and provides test references on product verification
Our test instrumentation provides means to further the development, reliability, and validation of grid-tied, off-grid, and hybrid solar PV inverters that will eventually be used in commercial and household applications for years to come. We do this by integrating features into our testers that, for example, allow performance testing of inverter behavior during voltage and frequency fluctuations found on the grid. And we can do this either by standalone instrumentation or integrated into an automated test system.
An on-grid or grid-connected photovoltaic power system is tied to the local utility mains or grid. They are typically used for residential or commercial applications where any unused power generated is sent to the utility grid where it can be stored and used later. Grid Tie PV Inverters (GTI) are equipped with micro-controllers that synchronizes generated power to the grid. The grid-connecter inverter converts the DC energy collected by the photovoltaic solar panels to AC power which is then either consumed or transferred to the local utility grid. Grid connected PV systems do not require a battery system since the grid provides the on-demand energy
An off-grid photovoltaic system allows consumers to have an energy system independent of the utility infrastructure. Power generated by the PV system is either consumed or stored in an on-site battery for later use rather than the grid. Off-Grid Inverters are not designed to sync the generated power to the grid.
Hybrid Off-Grid Inverters (HOG) also known as Grid Tie Inverters with battery backup are an innovative combination of Grid Tie and Off-Grid Inverters.
Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is a method used to optimize the amount of energy harvested through a photovoltaic solar system (or other variable sources). A photovoltaic system’s efficiency depends on the amount of power or sunlight collected and transferred to the solar cells. The MPPT is a process that maximizes this energy transfer by finding the point where the solar cells are collecting the most energy thus optimizing the function and efficiency of a photovoltaic system. Moreover, the MPPT filters and distinguishes the most usable power for specific devices or systems by determining the most proper resistance rather than random loads being fed to arbitrary photovoltaic cells. MPPT devices are generally integrated into electric power converter systems.
Anti-islanding protection is a way for the inverter to disconnect itself when it identifies a problem with the power grid so there is no unnecessary power transfer. This safety feature is typically integrated into distributed generators so that all grids can detect islanding (islanding – continually feeding the circuit with power even after shutdown).
A practical solar array can be very large and is influenced by various weather conditions like irradiation, temperature, rain, dirt, and shade which affect the I-V curve output. Unless you have a lot of time and real estate to duplicate these characteristics in the lab, a solar array simulator provides the best solution for testing PV Inverters. The advantage a solar array simulator provides is steady, repetitive control conditions that are required for PV Inverter design as well as for verification testing.
This is a brief overview and demonstration of the Chroma 62000 series of programmable solar array simulators for PV inverter testing. The Chroma 62150H-600S/1000S programmable solar array simulator has a maximum output power rating of up to 1MW, output voltage range (Voc) from 0 – 1000V and a maximum output current (Isc) of 0 – 1500A.
The world’s adoption of clean renewable energy has created a demand for PV inverters, wind energy systems, and other distributed energy resources. This demand has triggered rigorous regulation testing to standards such as IEEE 1547 / IEC 61000-3-15 / IEC 62116 that ensure proper and safe operation of on-grid products. Chroma Regenerative Grid Simulators fulfill these test requirements by providing full 4 quadrant, regenerative, grid simulation with advanced features for compliance, safety and product verification testing.
Chroma Regenerative Grid Simulators are full 4 quadrant, fully regenerative, AC power sources with advanced features satisfying rigorous regulatory standards testing as well as design and verification testing throughout the product development cycle. Designed to simulate grid characteristics the 61800 is ideal for testing PV inverter, on-line UPS, Smart Grid, Vehicle to Grid (V2G) and Energy Storage System (ESS) applications as well as common electrical product testing.
Battery simulation software for testing battery connected devices in all applications to confirm if the device under test in performing as intended. Integrated with our 17020, 17040, and 17040E regenerative battery testers, battery state is simulated if the battery is not available for testing and eliminates waiting for the charge / discharge of an actual battery. Real time test results include voltage, current, power, SOC%, charge/discharge state and capacity.
This auto test system uses a unique test command optimization technology to prevent the repeating control commands from being sent to the system hardware devices. This improves the system test speed dramatically and makes the Chroma 8000, which uses open software architecture, highly efficient as a closed or optimized auto test system. To meet the power supply test requirements, Chroma Power Supply Auto Test System model 8000 has built in 56 ready-made test items. Users may create new test items based on new test requirements using the test item editing function, which gives users the capability to expand the test items unlimitedly.
This auto test system uses the unique test command optimization technology to prevent the repeating control commands from sending to the system hardware devices. This improves the system test speed dramatically and makes Chroma 8000, which uses open software architecture, highly efficient as a close or optimized auto test system.
Chroma programmable DC Power Supplies cover a wide range of power, voltage and current with advanced features for lab or rack-mounted applications. Most models include a wider operating range with constant power, higher current ranges, precision readback of output current and voltage, output trigger signals, as well as the ability to create complex DC transients waveforms.
Programmable AC Power and Regenerative Grid Simulators with a wide range of voltage, current, and power for simulating AC mains and line fault conditions. Choose from single and three phase output AC power sources with power levels range from 500VA to 630kVA for design validation, production, and education either in the lab or in automated testing applications.
Chroma programmable DC Loads are used for power conversion testing in all markets including automated test systems, LED drivers, power supply testing, battery testing, and fuel cell testing. Chroma AC Loads are designed for testing uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), off-grid inverters, AC sources, and other power devices such as switches, circuit breakers, fuses and connectors.
Chroma offers several solutions for the development of safe PV Inverters. Our electrical safety testers support AC/DC hipot, leakage current (LC), insulation resistance (IR), and ground continuity (GC) at very high speed and accuracy to ensure the quality and safety of commercial and consumer inverters before they reach the market.
This presentation covers hybrid inverters and portable inverter power generators. We talk about the requirements for testing and share our solutions to help you achieve optimal results.
