Keysight Unveils Nex-Gen PV Array Simulators to Maximize Solar Power Conversion

With an aim to help engineers in maximizing solar power conversion, Keysight Technologies, a leading technology company, has introduced a new family of photovoltaic (PV) array simulators that are first to deliver 2000 V and 20 kW of power in a 3U format.

In order to keep solar power at grid parity with competing methods of power generation, performance and power conversion efficiency are critical. In such a scenario, small increments in power production can impact the profitability of solar power generation.

Thus, the company suggested engineers ensure that their solar inverters can convert maximum power from the connected solar array.

However, developing and verifying the performance of inverter maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms and circuits is complex, while testing is difficult, expensive and time-consuming, it added.

Moreover, multiple MPPT inverters provide flexibility for large commercial arrays but create a testing challenge as current solutions test one MPPT channel at a time.

Now, the company claimed that the Keysight PV8900 Series along with the DG9000A advanced PV inverter test software goes beyond existing standards, testing up to 12 MPPT channels simultaneously.

The company’s next-generation PV8900 series of PV array simulators offer the following features and customer benefits:

• The highest power density with 20 kW in 3U high that can be paralleled to 200 kW to test string inverters at full power capacity while reducing rack space.
• Up to 2000 V, 30 A output to test the next generation of string inverters which future proofs array simulator investment.
• DG9000A advanced PV inverter test software simplifies curve creation and downloads to quickly gain insight into a single MPPT or up to 12 MPPTs.
• Versatility to use as a standard 20 kW auto-ranging power supply with built-in output list, data logging and arbitrary waveform generation for improved return on investment.

Commenting on the development, Christopher Cain, vice president and general manager of Keysight’s Electronic Industrial Products, said that “the next generation of string inverters developed and manufactured by our customers require higher voltage, higher power density and exceptional control capability in design qualification and manufacturing test.”

Cain further added that “Keysight’s PV8900 series PV simulators enable automated testing to accelerate time to market and lower operational costs. The increased power density and high conversion efficiency deliver substantial operational savings through reduced floor space and system cooling requirements.”

Meanwhile, the company’s US pricing for Keysight’s PV8900 starts at USD 22,693 US list.

Earlier, MarketsandMarkets in its report forecasted that the solar simulator market to be valued at USD 8.44 Billion by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 6.5 per cent between 2017 and 2022. Some of the key factors driving this market growth are the growing demand for PV and the increasing demand from renewable energy industries.