Our rental module can be combined in series, parallel or matrix configurations with any 50kVA EAC-ACS-4Q modules you have previously purchased. Up to 50 modules can be connected in this way. This allows any short term requirements outside of usual operating ranges to be met.

Individually Programmable Phases

All three of the EAC-ACS-4Q's individual phases are independently adjustable. This provides up to three power systems from one unit. Using the GridSim GUI, it is possible to program each phase for: voltage, frequency, phase angle, as well as superimposed harmonic and inter-harmonic voltages up to 5kHz. Different voltage waveforms per phase are also possible in amplifier mode.

Power Recycling

When functioning as a load, the EAC-ACS-4Q has an inbuilt monitoring system that synchronises with grid conditions. This recycles the AC/DC sink energy from the loadside back to the three phase mains.

Voltage Amplifier Mode

The EAC-ACS-4Q features a voltage amplifier mode as standard, allowing the unit to operate as a full 4-quadrant three phase amplifier. The module receives external signals via an analogue input for each phase. To achieve a desired output on the loadside of the module, the signals can be either amplified or reduced by a user defined scaling factor. Different waveforms are possible per phase.

Any device which creates -10 to +10V can be used as an external signal generator. This functionality is particularly useful for hardware in the loop (HIL) applications driven by a real time computer. Users also have the ability to discharge the EAC-ACS-4Q module through the amplifier mode.

Current Control Mode

For applications where you need to actively control the output current of the EAC-ACS-4Q, an additional current controlled amplifier mode is also available. For example, a 10V input is equal to 124A for the 50kVA module. So if you want an output of 62A, then a factor of 0.5 (62/124) is entered into the scaling field.

The module comes with an isolated analogue, Ethernet and USB interface as standard.

ACScontrol GUI

All EAC-ACS-4Q units come with a simple and intuitive ACSControl operating GUI as standard. The module is connected to a PC via the standard Ethernet or USB interface. Live values of the power supply are displayed graphically along with any warning and error messages. Input values to the EAC-ACS-4Q from the local grid are also displayed, including: input current, reactive power, active power and Cosφ. The software allows protection levels to be set on both the lineside and loadside of the system.

As standard, ACSControl comes with a basic waveform generator mode. This allows users to implement sinewaves and edit parameters such as frequency and voltage (either L-N or L-L), as well as choosing the number of output phases (two or three). For more complex programming requirements, the GridSim GUI provides users with much greater functionality than standard ACSControl.

Soft Tools

There is an API for .NET (Windows) along with LabVIEW drivers.  

Full Waveform Generator Mode (GRIDSIM)

Where more advanced testing is required, the GridSim GUI provides users with a selection of advanced features. The software allows for manual operation and programming, as well as automated test runs to be configured with ease. A set of predefined periodic waveforms are available including sine, clipped sine, square, triangle, sawtooth. User defined waveforms are also possible. 

A Fourier tool is provided that can create virtually any conceivable periodic waveform. Superimposed harmonic and inter-harmonic voltages are programmable up to 5000Hz. Individual waveforms, as well as the final synthesised waveform, are represented graphically within the software. As shown below, the synthesised waveform is shown in blue and the individual waveforms are shown in black.

Common grid conditions such as voltage dips, short interruptions and voltage spikes can be recreated. Non-periodic waveforms such as voltage ramps, DC straight lines (either positive or negative), step curves and exponential curves can also be programmed within GridSim. This allows virtually any conceivable waveform to be generated that is within the unit’s dynamic capabilities.

RLC Load Mode

The RLC load mode {Resistance (R), Inductance (L), Capacitance (C)} enables the user to set apparent (VA) and reactive power (VAR). It also allows the power factor (cos phi) to be adjusted. The simulated impedance is particularly useful for users who design, research and develop renewable systems which feed energy to the public grid.

The software allows the EAC-ACS-4Q to test against anti-islanding regulations for grid-tied power systems. As the EAC-ACS-4Q simulates impedance for these regulatory tests, users do not have to use real components. This drastically reduces set up time and minimises the possibility of human error within the setup of the test circuit. It also eliminates the need to buy lots of different high power components for multiple tests, which can often prove very expensive. 

Users can select between 12 different types of topology within the software. Each loadside phase can have its own RLC topology. Individual parameters of each topology circuit can be set to customise the test to your specific requirements.

For additional safety, contactors are provided on both the lineside and the loadside of the EAC-ACS-4Q. These integrated safety relays provide a safe shutdown according to EN 13849-1 category 2/3. The ISR is connected to the external safety switch loop. If the external loop is opened, the EAC-ACS-4Q is powered down immediately.

Each unit has a liquid cooling circuit, which allows the 4 quadrant modules to be built into their compact 19" × 11U case. Should it not be feasible to connect the unit to an external cooling loop, then a separate module is optionally available to provide a liquid to air heat exchanger.

The 50kVA EAC-ACS-4Q module is installed into a wheeled enclosure to make deployment simpler, quicker and safer. The enclosure weighs approximately 200kg, with dimensions of 600mm × 1100mm × 1000mm (W × H × D) including castors.

If you are looking to purchase a system, new EAC-ACS-4Q modules can be found in our Four Quadrant Power Systems range.

The versatility of each unit allows for a wide variety of applications to be tested, including: single/three phase motor tests, AC transformer testing, grid-tied inverter analysis and aerospace electronics trials. The flexibility of the modules has allowed the University of Edinburgh to bring together experimental work in research areas such as power-electronics, electrical machines and smart grids in one lab. It has also enabled them to expand their research into new areas such as automotive and aerospace.