7th November 2025

Bidirectional DC Overload Capability

Do you regularly need to test electric motors with high start-up currents? Perhaps your DUT commonly experiences short term transients? A new option for our single-channel LAB-SCUBI and multi-channel LAB-MOBI bidirectional systems could be the perfect solution.

The overload capability enables supported models to exceed their nominal power by up to 50% for up to 60 seconds. A cooling period is required afterwards of up to 3 minutes at nominal load. Built-in protections time the overload and cooling durations to ensure safe operation. The feature offers a cost effective solution when compared to over-specifying a traditional DC power system limited to its nominal power.

For example, a system with 160kW nominal power is capable of sourcing/sinking 240kW for up to 60 seconds. The autoranging output of a 160kW/1000V/±1000A system operating at 100% and 150% of its nominal power is shown below.
 

Models for both product families start at 100kW at lower voltages and currents, with nominals up to 1200V/±1200A/650kW possible. Up to 4x LAB-SCUBI systems can be arranged in parallel master/slave configuration up to 2.6MW.

An interesting feature of the LAB-MOBI is that energy can be recycled between channels above the unit’s nominal power. For example, the LAB-MOBI 1200-650-1200-4 has four channels, each with a range of up to 1200Vdc and ±1200A. The rectifier section allows a maximum of 650kW to and from the grid. However the unit can sink up to 1.44MW (1200V × 1200A) from a source such as a battery pack, from one channel and use the energy directly across the other three channels. Ideal for sites with limited AC infrastructure.

Systems are up to 95% efficient. An extended feature set includes voltage and current ripple below 0.1%, and the ability to sink full current down to 5Vdc before derating. It also includes very wide DC ranges, for example 1000Vdc and ±1000A is possible with a 100kW model - an autoranging factor of 10.

Additional safety features can include isolation monitoring, discharge resistors, and potential free contacts for signalling and monitoring. Cabinets rated up to IP54 are possible. This offers protection against water splashes in test environments with fire suppression equipment installed. Units are air cooled as standard, with liquid cooled variants available.

To further discuss how a LAB-SCUBI or LAB-MOBI could accelerate your test programme, contact ETPS today.

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