Regenerative bidirectional AC/DC Power Source

26 October 2011 - California Instruments RS Series AC/DC Power supplies from Ametek Programmable Power features the ability to both source and sink current to give bi-directional current flow. The RS90 delivers up to 90 kVA of AC or AC + DC power. Ametek Programmable Power products are available in the UK from TTid.

The RS amplifier is designed to reverse the phase relationship between the AC input voltage and current in order to feed power back onto the utility grid. This mode of operation is particularly useful when testing “green” grid-tied products that feed energy back onto the grid. In particular, it allows static power converters such as grid-tied and off-grid photovoltaic inverters to be tested for frequency variations, voltage transients, DC injection and harmonic susceptibility.

The RS90 delivers up to 90 kVA of AC or AC + DC power. In DC mode, 50% of the AC power level is available. For higher power requirements, the RS180, RS270, RS360, RS450 and RS540 models are available, all of which allow separation of the high power system into individual RS90 units for use in separate applications. This ability to reconfigure the system provides a level of flexibility not commonly found in power systems.

With an output frequency range to 819 Hz (or 1000 Hz with the -HF option), the RS Series is well suited for aerospace applications. Precise frequency control and accurate load regulation are key requirements in these applications. The IEEE-488 remote control interface and SCPI command language provide for easy integration into existing ATE systems.

The RS Series eliminates the need for several additional pieces of test equipment, saving cost and space. Instrument drivers for popular programming environments such as National Instruments LabView are available to speed up system integration.