Solar Array Simulation – Very High Power, Dynamics & Accuracy
The simulation of solar arrays, especially with high to very high outputs of 5000 kW+ and with different cell types, is becoming increasingly important. This is not only with a view to the “classic” application of testing solar inverters and systems, but also for investigations and simulations relating
to smart grid technology and R+D laboratory work. REGATRON DC power supply units together with the well proven ‘SASControl’ software form an ideal team for all areas of SAS applications.
Key Points
- Real-time processing of the I-V curve calculation on-board of the power supply with high accuracy to obtain highest dynamic response and to avoid unwanted transmission delays.
- Dynamic Load Simulation: REGATRON power supplies are capable of simulating dynamic load changes and fast transient responses by means of short controller cycle times and smallest output capacitance.
- Insulation Fault Prevention: The application-specific adaptation of the earth leakage resistance of the power supply prevents unintentional insulation fault tripping of the solar inverter.
- Modular and scalable design: REGATRON’s solar array simulators cover the full range from residential devices of a few kW up to commercial solar systems up to 5000+ kW.
- Single & multi-string simulation by SASControl application software with Live Viewer, visualisation, and script-based programming allow for customizable and repeatable testing scenarios, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of solar array simulations.
- COADS: The “course of a day” simulation provides the reading of daily irradiance data from a file and simulates this dataset once or repeatedly.
Description
Solar array simulation is vital for testing and validating the performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems and components under various environmental and operational conditions. In solar energy research, development, and testing, it is crucial to simulate the output characteristics of solar panels of a given cell type under different light irradiation, temperatures, and load conditions.
Example of a Comprehensive Test Environment for a Solar Inverter with Storage
The picture shows a complete test environment for a PV system with internal energy storage. The following REGATRON devices perform clearly defined tasks:
- The PV source is formed by the G5.UNV DC power supply unit(s) under the control of the SASControl software.
- The public grid is simulated by the TC.ACS grid simulator(s).
- The battery storage is in turn formed by the bidirectional DC power supply G5.UNV.
- In addition, another TC.ACS grid simulator can be added as a variable RLC load for further tests such as the quite sophisticated anti-islanding test.
The universal DC power supplies G5.UNV can be used both as PV simulators for one or several strings as well as for storage battery simulators. The PV simulation offers pre-programmed test procedures in accordance with IEC/EN 50530. The TC.ACS AC power supplies units can be operated as public grid simulators in single or in parallel for higher power demand. TC.ACS can also be implemented as a variable RLC load for extended grid simulation or for special tasks such as the anti-islanding test: The RLC values are set until the currents in the programmable AC load just compensate for the currents feeding back into the grid or into the grid simulation. As soon as the correct parameters have been entered, the AC switches can be opened and the anti-islanding function of the DUT can be tested. Refer again to the picture.
All common mains standards such as VDE AR N 4105, VDE AR N 4110 (DIN VDE V 0124 100), IEC TS 63106 1, IEEE 1547.1 and UL 1741 can be programmed and tested by REGATRON’s AC power supply series TC.ACS.
Why REGATRON Devices for Solar Array Simulation
Like real solar arrays, REGATRON’s power supply units feature especially low capacitance values in the output filter stage and switchable earth leakage resistors for adaptation to the insulation measurement onboard the DUT. The very high resolution of voltage and current, as well as the high system dynamics, enable precise maintaining of the public grid phase conditions and thus permit a realistic simulation. The powerful application software SASControl opens up convenient possibilities both for the definition of specific array curves and for the live assessment of static and dynamic MPP tracking. I-V curves are calculated with high accuracy in real-time. SASControl fully complies with the efficiency measurement procedures for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in solar inverters as described in EN 50530. Core of the application software SASControl is a versatile script programming system which allows the easy implementation of individual programming sequences. Report generation and a report print-out of measured data is also included.
Suitable Products
G5.SAS Series
Specialized solar array simulator / emulator with low capacitance output, featuring real-time I-V curve generation and MPPT efficiency testing. It includes G5.SASControl software, a comfortable live viewer, and automated testing capabilities compliant with EN 50530.
- Power Range: 0…9 to 0…5000+ kW
- Voltage Range: 0…500 to 0…1500 VDC
G5.UNV Series
Comprehensive solution for testing / simulation of batteries and fuel cells, testing of (solar) inverters and chargers, and P-HIL applications. It incorporates the advanced functions of the specialized G5 series and is designed to meet diverse requirements in an environment of constantly evolving tasks in areas such as product certification, scientific laboratories, R&D, and prototyping.
- Power Range: 0…9 to 0…5000+ kW
- Voltage Range: 0…60 to 0…3000 VDC
TC.P Series
Proven and cost-effective, the established TC.P TopCon Quadro series offers optional dedicated application software, liquid cooling, and ruggedization for harsh / military environments. Designed for a wide range of applications, including unidirectional (solar) inverter testing, battery charging, EoL testing, and fuel cell simulation.
- Power Range: 0…16 to 0…512+ kW
- Voltage Range: 0…52 to 0…2000 VDC
We Are Here to Support You
Experience our commitment to outstanding customer support at every stage — before, during, and after your purchase. Benefit from our complimentary consultation services from the very beginning to ensure the ideal solution for your needs.
For added flexibility, selected power supplies may also be available for rent. Please contact REGATRON to discuss your specific requirements and to check availability for your application.
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