The Elektro-Automatik PSB 11500-20 3U Single Output Bi-Directional Programmable DC Power Supply, 1500V/20A, 10000W, 3U Rack is a two quadrant device that can perform the function of a power supply (source), as well as that of an electronic load (sink). In sink mode the device is regenerative and feeds the energy back into the local grid with an efficiency of up to 96%. The PSB 11500-20 3U is compatible with practically all global mains voltages. The DC voltages and currents are determined by the application and the spectrum range. The DC supply operates as a flexible output stage with a constant power characteristic (auto-ranging) and a wide voltage and current range. To achieve higher power and current this unit is equipped with a master-slave bus. This enables up to 64 parallel connected devices to be combined into one system. Such a system works as a single unit and can use different power classes, only the voltage class must remain constant. Furthermore, typical laboratory functionality is provided. This includes an extensive function generator, alarm and warning management, various industrial interfaces, software solutions, and more.
The EA-PSB 11500-20 3U is equipped with an active PFC which provides a high efficiency at a low energy consumption, and can be operated in the majority of global grids. It adjusts automatically, without additional configuration, to the available grid voltage. The energy consumed in load mode is fed back into the connected grid with an efficiency of up to 96%. As the energy is not converted to heat, the energy costs are reduced. In addition, this device generates less heat, requiring less cost-intensive air conditioning. The PSB 11500-20 3U is sufficient for a wide range of applications, reducing investment and installation costs.
Based on typical applications, any Device Under Test (DUT) consumes energy from the mains, converts it to DC, then feeds it into the PSB 11500-20 3U. The bidirectional power supply then converts this energy back into an AC current and feeds it back into the grid.
The DC output of the PSB 11500-20 3U has flexible output stages (auto-ranging) that provide users with a wide voltage, current and power range - a wider field of work is possible, than with traditional power supplies. "Auto-ranging" is a term used when a bidirectional programmable DC power supply that automatically offers a wider output and input range of both voltage and current, to maintain full power across a wide operation range. This type of solution allows the use of a single unit to address multiple voltage and current combinations.
Connection of the DC output is done via copper blades on the back side of the PSB 11500-20 3U. With minimal effort these devices can be linked with the vertical copper rails; a cover is included to protect the contact.
The PSB 11500-20 3U is equipped with a function generator. This allows waveforms such as sine, triangle, square or trapezoid to be simply called up and applied to either the voltage or the current. A ramp function and a arbitrary generator allow voltage and current progression to be freely programmable. Test sequences for repeated tests can be saved and reloaded when needed, which saves time. For simulating photovoltaics systems or fuel cells, adaptable tables are provided.
As standard, the PSB 11500-20 3U is fitted with the most important interfaces and ports which are all galvanically isolated from the DC input. There is an analog interface which can be parameterized for input and output, control and monitoring, voltage, current, power and resistance, assorted inputs and outputs, as well as USB and Ethernet ports.
When the integrated master-slave bus and share bus are used, a multi device system behaves as a single device. With the master-slave bus, the system data (such as total power and total current) are collected and displayed on the master unit (PSB 11500-20 3U). Warnings and alarms of the slave devices (not included) will also clearly display on the master unit (PSB 11500-20 3U).
A typical application for the PSB 11500-20 3U is testing the electrical characteristics of a battery. Its wide application spectrum covers cell, module or pack tests, the determination of the SOH (State-of-Health) for a second life classification, as well as End-of-Line (EOL) tests. These applications put many demands on power electronics, which the PSB 11500-20 3U can fulfill. Whether in an automated test system or in an integrated battery test, all possibilities are open to the user with this power supply.
Some of PSB 11500-20 3U's additional applications include battery simulation as single cells, modules, or packs. These simulations aid in the optimal configuration of energy storage as well as the supplied components under test. Wherever reproducible data is needed, a battery simulator is the first choice. Also, the use of a power source as a simulator provides protection for the connected consuming component. The overcurrent protection (OCP) can, like a safety fuse, switch off the output and generate an alarm. The voltage can be monitored and can - if over or under limits - trigger various functions, and also generate warnings and alarms.
The PSB 11500-20 3U can also be used for testing the electrical features of fuel cells, fuel cell stacks and fuel cell systems. Here it can generate highly accurate and reproducible results in all electrical modes. To test the resistance, performance, and active life of a fuel cell quickly and economically, users can readily incorporate the device into an automatic testing system. The feedback capability guarantees a high level of energy and cost efficiency.
During an on-board charger test (OBC), the electrical features must be tested under various conditions. This requires a flexible test system which also provides test data. With the sequencing and logging functions of the included EA Power Control software, data can be exported and saved. In this way, applications can instantly generate reproducible test results based on dynamic and highly accurate set point and measurement data. To avoid competition between two separate control loops of the device under test (DUT) and testing device, the voltage regulation speed of PSB 11500-20 3U's bidirectional power supply is adjustable. The modes Normal/Fast/Slow allow the power supply to adapt to the control characteristics of the on-board charger.
The PSB 11500-20 3U programmable power supply is highly suited to use as a test systems for PV inverters, as it can provide the necessary simulation for solar panels. Users can quickly access simulation models according to EN 50530 or Sandia, while it supports diverse solar panel types. Parameters such as irradiation (varying with shadows), panel technology and temperature can be implemented. Thus, the PSB 11500-20 3U can test all of the relevant electrical features of a PV inverter, including its efficiency value. The high resolution of 16-bit technology and a high sampling rate enables the power supply to deliver accurate results, which can be documented and saved to an Excel file.
In combination with the EA Power Control software, it is possible to assess retired batteries from electric vehicles for possible further use. Assessment of a battery pack starts with a state of health (SOH) check to determine if a second life is feasible. This integrated function can be initiated with one click. If this check shows too little rest capacity, then the battery must be fully discharged before recycling. PSB 11500-20 3U's auto-ranging capability guarantees the maximum possible total discharge, even with voltages under 2 V. The mains feedback to the power grid at up to 96% efficiency, makes this process highly cost effective.
