Product Overview Options Power- | Voltage- | Current-Range Downloads

TC.ACS Regenerative AC Power Supply

If ever a device justifies the predicate “versatile”, it is certainly REGATRON’s regenerative AC power supply TC.ACS! With its compact design, it includes a fully programmable grid simulator with waveform generator, a power amplifier and an exquisite selection for load simulation with RLC load mode, current curves or power mode with load profiles in a single device! This opens up countless application possibilities for the operator.

No matter whether it is for the simulation of complex AC grid situations in the field of smart grid and EMC investigations, as a fast power amplifier in P-HIL simulation and test environments or for deep circuit analysis by running reactive 1 to 3-phase loads, TC.ACS enables targeted solutions in the range from low power up to 2000+ kVA.

Key Facts

Technology

  • Technologically advanced, fast switching, compact 19-inch regenerative AC power supply
  • 4-quadrant functionality to feed energy back into AC mains
  • Precise and stable AC power supply with waveform generator to simulate various waveform functions with amplitude, phase and frequency modulation
  • Fundamental frequency range up to 1 kHz and bandwidth for modulations up to 5 kHz
  • Power amplifier with very fast analog I/O interface for P-HIL applications
  • Phase connections for 1 or 2 phase modes with higher voltage and higher continuous current
  • Load simulation with RLC load mode, current curves or power mode with load profiles
  • Overloadability 150% for max. 10 s up to 200% for max. 1 s
  • High degree of efficiency results in significant reduction of energy consumption and heat dissipation

System Capability

  • Modular and easily scalable systems
  • Parallel operation with a digital high-speed bus
  • Simple multi-unit configuration with the operating software
  • Easy rack mounting
  • Mobile turn-key cabinet solution with air or liquid cooling up to 150 kVA
  • Project-specific system integration according to customer specification up to 2000+ kVA
  • Increased emergency stop reliability supporting performance level PL c / PL e according to EN ISO 13849

System Control

  • ACSControl operating, service and analysis software
  • Configuration of waveform generator for any test sequences with preview e.g. LVRT, HVRT, FRT, ROCOF, …
  • Fourier tool to create sine waveforms with harmonics and datapoint waveform tool to create customer specific curves
  • EMC test suite for EMC tests according to standards IEC/EN 61000-3-X and IEC/EN 61000-4-X
  • Configuration of RLC load mode for anti-islanding testing and load simulation
  • Configuration and preview of any test sequences for waveform generator with current curves and for power mode with load profiles
  • Powerful and function-rich application programming interface (API)
  • Optional CAN interface with communication protocol configurable via ACSControl for seamless integration into a CAN network

AC Grid Simulation

A wide range of applications require the simulation of an AC grid. The most popular are inverter testing, charger testing, on-board charger (OBC) testing and smart grid applications.

The TC.ACS AC power supply is ideally suited for use as a grid simulator. Thanks to its 4-quadrant functionality, it is fully regenerative and can therefore feed energy back into the AC mains. A wide range of configuration options is offered by the integrated waveform generator, enabling the simulation of various AC grid situations, from simple AC grids to complex test sequences.

The basic waveform generator is designed to provide users with the essential settings for simulating a simple, symmetrical, 3-phase AC grid.

A highly versatile tool is the full waveform generator (GridSim option) that offers users a wide range of options for creating longer and more complex test sequences. In addition to creating test sequences such as low-voltage ride-through (LVRT), high-voltage ride-through (HVRT), fault ride-through (FRT) and rate of change of frequency (ROCOF), amplitude, phase and frequency modulation offer a wide range of options for simulating various situations in AC grids.

Besides the selection of various functions for the main curve, the fourier and datapoint waveform tools are very helpful for creating main curves with harmonic components up to 5 kHz and customized periodic main curves.

The grid impedance simulation option is an addition to the waveform generator. It enables the simulation of real 50/60 Hz AC grids.

Due to the optional CAN interface with configurable communication protocol enables the seamless integration of a TC.ACS grid simulator into existing CAN networks or the creation of a new one. It is perfect for testing chargers and on-board chargers.

The phase connection option is also very suitable for testing chargers and on-board chargers, as this option enables double the rated current for single-phase and split-phase. It is therefore not necessary to purchase an AC power supply unit with a higher output for single-phase or split-phase operation.

Low voltage ride-through (LVRT) test sequence configured in ACSControl

EMC Emission and Immunity Testing

REGATRON offers full and pre-compliance EMC test systems. In addition to the TC.ACS AC power supply unit and the EMC test suite with one or both standards packages IEC/EN 61000-3-X and IEC/EN 61000-4-X the flicker impedance network TC.FLK, the voltage slope enhancer TC.VSE and the power analyzer LMG671 are included, depending on the EMC test system selected.

EMC Emission Test System
EMC Immunity Test System
EMC emission testing setup – REGATRON programmable power supplies ensuring full compliance
REGATRON's full compliance EMC test system for emission and immunity testing

P-HIL Power Amplifier

Power-hardware-in-the-loop (P-HIL) simulation integrates physical hardware and software models in a closed-loop, offering versatile opportunities to investigate the behavior of complex systems at different parameter settings.

A typical PHIL setup includes a fast real-time computer driving a power amplifier. The TC.ACS series is best suited for this purpose due to its high dynamics and a fast analog port. Time analog-in to power output is typically 70 μs.

P-HIL is applied in various areas within electrical and energy engineering:

  • Renewable Energy: Evaluating the behavior of photovoltaic inverters and wind power systems under variable grid conditions.
  • Smart Grids: Simulating complex grid scenarios, such as load fluctuations, overload conditions or the integration of distributed energy resources.
  • Energy Storage: Testing battery systems and converters under different charge and discharge conditions.
  • Electric Vehicles: Assessing the performance of chargers and traction systems in electric vehicles under various operating conditions, running drive cycles.
Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (P-HIL) principle schematic – REGATRON programmable power supplies integration
Principle of a P-HIL setup: Real-time simulator, power amplifier, hardware in the loop

AC Load Simulation

A wide range of applications require AC load simulation. Examples include simulating AC consumers in smart grids, loading generators and inverters, testing charger stations, and anti-islanding testing. The TC.ASC AC power supply offers various AC load simulation options for these applications.

For anti-islanding tests according to the standards IEEE 1547 or VDE-AR-N 4105, the RLC load mode is the tool to be selected. Due to the adjustable resistance (R), inductance (L) and capacitance (C) parameters, this tool is ideal for simulating and tuning up the required RLC network for anti-islanding tests. In addition, the RLC load mode offers 12 topologies to simulate different behaviors of AC loads for other applications with RLC loads.

In some test set-ups, an AC load is to be simulated based on the behavior of its current curve. Such tests are often used to test the immunity of AC sources, e.g. generators or inverters, to disturbances like harmonics on the current curve. These disturbances can be simulated with the full waveform generator CC option. In addition, this option offers the possibility to configure longer and more complex test sequences for various test applications.

Besides to static AC load simulations, there is a growing demand for simulations of dynamic load changes and constantly changing loads over longer periods of time. Due to the power mode option, all these requirements on AC load simulation can be met. In additon to the static load simulation with the basic power mode, offers the full power mode the possibility to configure load profiles for dynamic load changes. Furthermore, longer and more complex test sequences can be configured for the simulation of load changes over a longer period of time, e.g. for loading smart grids.

Test sequence sine current curve with stepwise added harmonics from 1 to 5 kHz for testing the susceptibility of a DUT to interference.
Configuration of a load profile with the full power mode

Modular and Easily Scalable Systems

The output of a power supply system can be set up from 0…30 kVA up to 0…2000+ kVA. The advantageous modularity of REGATRON power supply solutions allows the system to be easily adapted to ever-changing test requirements. Furthermore, the system can be expanded with additional power supply units or may be split into smaller units. The mixed operation of 30 and 50 kVA power supply units allows various power requirements to be met.

REGATRON also offers turn-key cabinet solutions and project-specific system integration according to customer specifications, whether for single units or powerful multi-device systems. Therefore, purchasing a REGATRON power supply is a solid investment for the future.

Modular concept for easy power increase by parallel operation. Mixed operation of 30 and 50 kVA power supply units within same system is also possible.

Characteristics and Features in the Basic Version

Basic waveform generator CV (voltage controlled) to simulate a simple symmetric 3-phase AC grid including the configuration for split-phase AC grid.
Amplifier mode CV (voltage controlled) to operate as P-HIL power amplifier.

ACSControl enables complete and easy control of a TC.ACS AC power supply unit or entire master slave system and also offers a whole range of service functions. In addition to basic control, configuration and update functions, ACSControl has powerful integrated digital scopes. The high-resolution real-time display of numerous internal system signals allows the user to optimize the overall system in a targeted manner. Firmware updates can be carried out quickly and easily for individual units as well as for master slave systems with a single command. When handling support cases concerning the application of the power supplies, the built-in diagnostic functions help to quickly identify the problem.

The powerful .NET programming interface (API) offers a wide range of functions for configuring and controlling a TC.ACS AC power supply. Using .NET programming, Python, LabView or MATLAB, the API can be integrated into many operating software programs. This allows a TC.ACS AC power supply to be integrated into various test benches and automation systems.

The analog I/O interface offers 3 analog inputs X610, X611 and X612 via BNC connectors. A further 4 analog inputs and 4 analog outputs are accessible via a M12 flush-type connector X609. An optional adapter for easier access to the inputs and outputs of the interface X609 is available. All these analog inputs and outputs can be used as fast analog interface for a P-HIL power amplifier.

The digital I/O interface offers 1 configurable input and 1 configurable output. Trigger input and trigger output for the waveform generator are the default functions, but there are many other functions for logic control and operating state indications. Optionally, the digital interface can be expanded with additional inputs and outputs as well as potential-free contacts.

Integrated safety relay (ISR) for increased emergency stop reliability supporting performance level PL c / PL e according to EN ISO 13849.

The wide band AC input accepts all common AC mains systems and has an active power factor correction.

  • AC mains 380…480 VAC ±10% @50/60 Hz
  • Power factor (PF) @nominal power 0.99
  • Efficiency 90% @nominal power

The TC.ACS AC power supply has integrated liquid cooling. To ensure proper and fault-free operation, it must be connected to an external liquid cooling system or to the optional liquid to air heat exchanger TC.LAE.

Device Types

Single-Unit 30 - 50 kVA | 11 U Voltage [VRMS] Power [kVA] Current [ARMS] Frequency [Hz]
Bandwidth [Hz]		 Order Code
programmable ac power supply 9-18kw 3 x 0…305 (L-N)
3 x 0…528 (L-L)		 30 3 x 0…43 0…1000
0…5000		 TC.ACS.30.528.4WR.S.LC
3 x 0…305 (L-N)
3 x 0…528 (L-L)		 50 3 x 0…72 0…1000
0…5000		 TC.ACS.50.528.4WR.S.LC
3 x 0…305 (L-N)
3 x 0…528 (L-L)		 50 3 x 0…75 0…1000
0…5000		 TC.ACS.50.528.4WR.HC.LC
(for EMC Test Systems)
Discover Power- | Voltage- | Current-Configurations up to 2000+ kVA
Explore REGATRON’s product overview – programmable power supply systems at a glance

Need the Right Power Solution?

We’ll help you define the ideal setup.
Contact us today for expert, personalized support.