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Solar Array Simulator System

Technical Overviews

Solar Array Simulator System 

Introduction

The Keysight Technologies Solar Array Simulator (SAS) System provides precise, fast, and cost efficient simulation of multiple segment solar array output characteristics. The simulator is able to work with voltage regulation topologies including:

  • MPPT
  • Maximum Peak Power Tracker
  • Sequential Shunt Regulation
  • Series Switch Regulation
  • Direct Connection

A typical SAS system contains between 12 and 100 power output modules with each module capable of simulating a single string, segment or solar module. The power output modules can be grouped in collections consistent with the solar array architecture. 

System Simulation for Space Based Solar Array Applications

The system structure offers the following:

  • Outstanding modularity for dynamic reconfiguration as array architecture changes from program to program
  • Accurate simulation of any type of solar array
  • Small size - 2 outputs in 2U of rack space
  • High output power
  • up to 600 W per output
  • Fast I-V curve change and fast recovery switching time
  • Exceptional MTTR (Mean Time To Repair) including individual module service and calibration, ensuring maximum uptime availability

Multi Mode Simulation to Meet Test Requirements

Solar array simulation

Solar panels consisting of multiple solar arrays provide power to satellites. They have unique I-V characteristics. Since the output power of a solar array varies with environmental conditions (i.e. temperature, darkness, light intensity), a specialized power supply like a solar array simulator must be used for accurate simulation. As the trend moves toward higher power solar panels, there is a need for higher power solar array simulators or a larger number of solar array simulators to supply the additional power needed to simulate these higher power solar panels. Rack space is thus becoming a premium. Satellite designers and manufacturers want to quickly and accurately simulate real world conditions placed on a satellite’s solar panel in orbit and they want to reduce the size of their test racks by using smaller, higher density solar array simulators. In two rack units, an E4360A can provide 1200 W resulting in a single rack as shown on the cover page, providing 14.4 kW of power.

Multiple simulation modes

The E4360 SAS modules provide three operating modes, Simulator, Table and Fixed modes. To accurately simulate the I-V curve of a solar array, use simulator or table mode. When a standard power supply is needed, use fixed mode. 

1. Simulator mode:

The E4360 Series SAS internally generate a 4,096 I-V point table for each output channel. An internal algorithm is used to approximate an I-V curve. This can be done via the I/O interfaces or from the front panel where a PC is not needed. These four input parameters are needed to establish a curve in this mode:

  • Voc - open circuit voltage
  • Isc - short circuit current
  • Imp - current at the peak power point on the curve
  • Vmp - voltage at the peak power point on the curve

2. Table mode:

The I-V curve is determined by a user-defined table of points. A table can have a minimum of 3 points, up to a maximum of 4000 points. A point corresponds to a specific value of I and V. The SAS then automatically calculates an internal table from the user defined points. As many as 30 tables may be stored in each of the E4360A SAS built-in volatile and non-volatile memories. The tables (I-V curve) stored in this non-volatile memory will be retained when the power is turned off, while those stored in volatile memory will be erased after power is removed. Additionally, current and voltage offsets can be applied to the selected table to simulate a change in the operating conditions of the solar array.
The I-V curve is determined by a user-defined table of points. A table can have a minimum of 3 points, up to a maximum of 4000 points. A point corresponds to a specific value of I and V. The SAS then automatically calculates an internal table from the user defined points. As many as 30 tables may be stored in each of the E4360A SAS built-in volatile and non-volatile memories. The tables (I-V curve) stored in this non-volatile memory will be retained when the power is turned off, while those stored in volatile memory will be erased after power is removed. Additionally, current and voltage offsets can be applied to the selected table to simulate a change in the operating conditions of the solar array.

 3. Fixed mode:

This is the default mode when the unit is powered on. The unit has the rectangular I-V characteristics of a standard power supply and can automatically correct between constant voltage (CV) and constant current (CC) modes.

SAS Monitor and Control Software

Custom applications suite of software included with Z2094B

The monitor and software control application consists of three (3) major components:

  • SAS Self Test
  • SAS Monitor and Event Log
  • System Level SCPI Remote Interface

SAS self test

System self test performs internal diagnostic tests for all mainframes, modules, and additional instruments. OVP, OCP, isolation relay, digital port connections, fault/inhibit response, and more are retested with self test loads installed. All results are reported and logged for archival reference.

SAS monitor and event log

The SAS Monitor Application is a software suite that provides a complete configure, control, observe, and troubleshoot software package for use with the SAS system. The Monitor itself provides a graphical user interface that allows for easily observing the status of each of the Keysight E4360A mainframes in a system. It displays important details about each of the SAS modules, including its output state, output voltage, and current mode of operation.

 

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