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Push the limit of AC grid innovation
Keysight AC grid emulators are designed to precisely simulate real-world electrical grid conditions in a controlled laboratory environment. A defining capability is their full four-quadrant operation and high regenerative efficiency, allowing bidirectional power flow for both sourcing and sinking, significantly reducing energy consumption by feeding unused power back to the grid. These emulators offer a wide voltage range and power output without the need for external, bulky transformers. They can accurately simulate diverse grid disturbances essential for rigorous standards compliance. Furthermore, their modular architecture allows for easy power scaling, which is ideal for electrical and automotive engineers working on e-mobility, EV/EVSE chargers, solar inverters, and other distributed energy resources. Request a quote for one of our popular configurations today. Need help selecting? Check out the resources below.
Four-quadrant operation
Keysight AC grid emulators can both source and sink, which reduces energy consumption and operating costs when combined with high (>85%) regenerative efficiency.
No external transformers
Flexible voltage ranges up to 1200 VAC without the external transformers, which simplifies test setups, saves valuable lab space, and ensures full performance at the specified voltage.
Dual AC and DC voltage ranges
Integrate both AC and DC voltage capabilities into a single device, becoming a versatile, all-in-one solution for testing low- and high-voltage standards without compromising valuable lab space.
Modular and scalable
Designed with modularity in mind to scale power output by paralleling multiple units to meet higher power requirements (up to 810 kW / 1.2 MVA) using an output combiner box and communication cable.
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Maximum voltage
600 V to 1200 V
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Maximum power
40 kW to 120 kW
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Type
Regenerative AC Emulator, Dual-Range Regenerative AC Emulator
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Maximum AC power
30 kW to 90 kW
Most popular configurations
Scienlab Regenerative AC Emulator, 600 VAC, 63 A, 30 kVA, 3‑Phase
Scienlab Regenerative AC Emulator, 1200 VAC, 65 A, 90 kVA, 3‑Phase
Scienlab Dual-Range Regenerative AC / Grid Emulator, 600 / 1200 VAC, 63 / 32.5 A, 90 kW / 135 kVA
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Frequently asked questions
An AC emulator is a sophisticated electronic device designed to replicate the behavior and conditions of the real-world electrical grid in a controlled laboratory environment. The primary purpose of an AC emulator is to provide a realistic and controllable environment for testing power electronics and grid-tied devices. It can simulate a wide range of grid conditions. Here are some key features of AC emulators:
- Programmable AC power source: Unlike a standard AC power supply that simply provides a stable voltage and frequency, an AC grid emulator is highly programmable. This means it can precisely control and vary its output parameters.
- Multi-quadrant operation (bi-directional): This is a key distinguishing feature. A grid emulator can not only source (supply) power to a device under test (DUT) but also sink (absorb) power from it. This is essential because many modern devices, like solar inverters and EV chargers, can feed power back into the grid.
- Regenerative capability: Many AC grid emulators are "regenerative." This means that when they sink power from a DUT, they can efficiently convert that energy and feed it back into the local facility's grid, rather than dissipating it as heat. This significantly improves energy efficiency and reduces operational costs in testing labs.
AC emulators have become indispensable tools across various sectors, primarily driven by the increasing complexity of modern power grids and the proliferation of grid-tied power electronics. Their primary applications can be categorized as follows:
- Solar photovoltaic (PV) inverters: Emulators are used to test how solar inverters react to various grid conditions and ensure they comply with strict grid codes for grid interconnection. They verify the inverter's ability to inject reactive power, support voltage, and ride through disturbances.
- Grid integration of distributed energy resources (DER): Emulators help analyze the impact of various DERs (including wind turbine, micro-hydro, and more) on the grid and validate their control strategies.
- EV supply equipment (EVSE): Simulating various grid scenarios to ensure charging stations operate safely and reliably, including different voltage levels, frequencies, and power quality issues.
- Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems: A crucial application where emulators simulate the bi-directional power flow, allowing testing of how EVs can both draw power from and feed power back into the grid, potentially providing grid services.
- Battery energy storage systems (BESS): Emulators are used to test the charging and discharging cycles, efficiency, and grid-support functions (peak shaving, frequency regulation, voltage support) of BESS units connected to the grid.
- Smart grid testing and microgrid emulation: Evaluating the performance of various smart grid devices, sensors, and communication protocols under different grid conditions or creating realistic simulations of isolated or grid-connected microgrids.
- Grid code compliance: This is a major driver. AC grid emulators are essential for proving that grid-tied devices meet the specific requirements of regional and international grid codes regarding voltage ride-through, frequency ride-through, harmonic emissions, power factor, and anti-islanding protection.
Choosing the right AC grid emulator is critical for effective and accurate testing. Here are some key technical specifications and features to consider:
- Power ratings (kVA/kW): These include maximum apparent power, real power and power factor, peak current capability (crest factor), and parallel capability.
- Voltage and current ranges: These include nominal output voltage (RMS), voltage range (adjustability), maximum output current (RMS), and independent phase control.
- Frequency range and accuracy: These include nominal frequency, frequency range, frequency accuracy and resolution, and frequency slew rate.
- Operating modes and capabilities: Operating conditions include four-quadrant operation (bi-directional), regenerative capability, multiple AC and DC output modes, multi-phase operation, arbitrary waveform generation, programmable output impedance, and more.
- Safety features: These include over-current, over-voltage, over-temperature protection, emergency stop, and interlock system integration.
An AC grid emulator is a sophisticated electronic device that replicates real-world electrical grid conditions in a controlled lab environment. Unlike standard power supplies, they are highly programmable, offering four-quadrant operation to both supply and absorb power, with regenerative capability to efficiently return absorbed energy to the local grid.
These emulators are crucial for testing grid-tied devices like solar inverters, EV chargers (including V2G systems), and energy storage systems. They can accurately simulate everything from normal grid operation to complex disturbances such as voltage sags/swells, frequency variations, harmonics, and fault conditions. By providing precise control over voltage, current, and frequency, AC grid emulators enable manufacturers to perform compliance testing against international standards (e.g., IEEE 1547), accelerate product development, and ensure the safe and reliable integration of power electronics into the modern grid.