Elgar - Solar Array Simulator (SAS) - Photovoltaic Emulation
- Spin mode is a dynamic mode intended to provide a simulation of a spinning satellite.
- Enhanced Eclipse mode is a dynamic mode that allows the user to easily program and initiate an eclipse event with total control over all of the V-I curve parameters and dwell times.
- Operates with Sequential Shunt Regulators and Maximum Power Point Trackers
- Multiple redundant OVP/OIP layers
A spacecraft solar array is subjected to large temperature excursions, varying insolation (the amount of sunlight falling on the array), mechanical changes and aging, which substantially effect both its short and long term performance. In order to test the spacecraft's power environment, a cost-effective solution for ground based testing is to utilize a solar array simulator.
The Elgar SAS system reproduces all possible solar array outputs, based on the wide variety of input conditions that an array faces, including orbital rotation, spin, axis alignment, eclipse events, beginning-of-life and end-of-life operation. The SAS also provides complete programmable control of all the parameters that shape the solar cell I/V output curve. By being able to accurately simulate solar panels under various space conditions with complete control, a system developer can comprehensively verify design margins and quickly test, in production, spacecraft power systems and their associated electronics.
Each Solar Array Simulator is a fully integrated, turn-key system complete with Windows NT graphical user interface and hardware control software. It can be remotely controlled and addressable as a single device when integrated into a customer's test system. This control is accomplished via a standard ethernet or optional GPIB interface using standard SCPI format commands.
As a very important consideration in spacecraft testing, discrete hardware protection systems are a standard part of every SAS. These include subsystems that can remove power at the output of the SAS in under 10 microseconds. Each SAS string has an electronic circuit breaker and relay disconnect, so faults are localized and minimize disruption of the last process. SAS systems have been designed and delivered ranging from desktop, 2 channel, R&D units to systems capable of controlling two 64 channel SAS systems simultaneously. AMETEK's Engineered Solutions Group can assist in defining special requirements and customize each system using a standard building block approach. This allows each customer to get exactly what id needed while minimizing costs.
Total Control Of I/V Behavior. AMETEK's Fast Profiling Current Source (FPCS) provides the ability to simulate real world solar array power more accurately than other technologies by allowing programmable control of all four parameters necessary to independently control the characteristic I/V diode output curve, or profile, of each FPCS channel.
In addition, the user may choose the nonparametric mode of operation and program I/V curves unique to the application. The basic building block of an Elgar SAS is the FPCS. Each FPCS module simulates either one or two array strings, or can be series or paralleled with other FPCS modules to simulate larger array segments.
Each FPCS channel delivers 450W or 500W of power; 2 channels are housed in a single 5-1/4" chassis. Open circuit voltage and short circuit current are scaled to meet a customer's
- Total control of I/V behavior
- Designed to operate at the knee
- Fast profiling current source
- Bus overvoltage protection
- Hardware shutdown system
- Multiple master SAS systems can be connected to create very large SAS systems
- Customer defined output connectors
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Output Ratings |
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450W or 500W per channel with two channels housed in a single 5-¼ inch chassis |
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900W or 1000W per channel with one channel per chassis |
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Output voltages available from 60V to 200V |
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Input AC Power |
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AC Input |
208V L-L, 3 phase 60 hertz 400V L-L, 3 phase 50 hertz |
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Programming Accuracy |
- at 25˚C ± 5˚C |
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Voltage |
0.1% of full scale voltage |
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Current |
0.5% of full scale source current |
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Readback Accuracy - at 25˚C ± 5˚C |
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Voltage |
0.2% of full scale |
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Current |
1.0% of full scale source current |
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Accumulator Accuracy |
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State of Charge |
±2.5% |
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RMS Ripple and Noise |
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Voltage |
0.5% of maximum output voltage |
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Current |
0,1% of maximum output current |
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Transient Response |
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Load Switching Recovery Time |
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less than 2.5 microseconds to recover to within 90% of programmed value when switched from a short to a load. |
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Sensor Simulator Options |
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Cell Open and Short |
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Switch Closures |
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Cell Voltage Simulation |
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Heater Loads |
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Voltage Monitors |
The voltage monitors are A-D converters that can monitor any voltage up to 100VDC |
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Thermistor |
The Thermistors are programmable 12-BIT resistive ladder circuits designed to emulate the readings that a battery thermistor would provide. They are manually programmable from the Sensor Simulator GUI or remotely through the BSS system's remote control input. |
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Strain Gauge Outputs |
The strain gauge outputs are programmable D-A outputs that emulate a battery strain gauge output. The sensor simulator software will cause the output of the strain gauge to output a signal when an excitation voltage is provided by the spacecraft. |
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Strain Gauge Excitation Sensing |
This is an input signal is received from the spacecraft. |
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More Product Information
- Complete solution - battery test, simulation & solar array simulator software included
- Highest power density up to 37 kW in 4U rack height (9.25 kW/U)
- Fastest and cleanest power available (fastest transient response and low output ripple and noise)
- Universal 3-Phase AC Input accepts 180 VAC to 528 VAC
- Longest manufacturer-based reliability guarantee: 5-year warranty
- Parallel system power up to 1.2 MW
- Output voltage up to 2,000 V
- Bidirectional output current up to ±150 A, up to ±4,800 A in parallel
- True extended wide-range autoranging output
- Regenerative to 95%
- Color touch panel user interface
- Seamless transition between source and sink
- Built-in islanding detection
- Support for the highest speeds available in CoaXPress 2.0
- Connect to and capture from up to four cameras or combine connections for even higher data rates
- Simplify cabling with PoCXP support between cameras and vision computer
- Offload host computer of custom image processing using a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) device
- Distribute image processing workload across multiple computers through data forwarding capability
- Synchronize with sensors, encoders, and controllers with ample auxiliary I/Os for each CoaXPress connection
- Use license fingerprint for Aurora Imaging Library and avoid the need for a separate hardware key
- Monitor and troubleshoot acquisition performance in detail using Aurora Gecho event-logging tool
- Available in single and dual pack versions
- Sensor simulation available to provide thermistor, strain gauges, heater loads, and cell bypass/short.
- Battery behavior easily modified via spreadsheet download to simulate any battery topology including Nickel Metal Hydride, Lithium Ion, and Nickel Cadmium
- Flexible Database Operation
- Fully Programmable
- Completely Configurable
- Attention To Spacecraft Safety
- Eliminates the need for test flight batteries and their associated issues
- This Large Area Diffuse Light provides extremely diffuse illumination over an area of 18” square (457mm).
- Available in a wide array of wavelengths, providing up to 7kLux at a 1” (25mm) standoff.
- At 13.6 pounds (6.2 kilograms), the DL071 is both rugged and lightweight.
When a catalog product cannot completely satisfy a requirement, AMETEK Programmable Power's Solutions Business provides custom power supply systems and integrations. The solutions range from OEM integration for medical and semiconductor industries to modular avionics ATE power subsystems to turnkey solar array simulators for satellites. We also can modify power supplies to meet your application requirements.
- Modular
- Control up to 95 assets
- Control multiple AC and DC power supplies and loads in one mainframe
- Create “virtual assets”
- Web browser control
- User configurable
- Highest Power Density
- Simple integration
- PFC
- Universal AC/DC input
- Up to 6kW in one mainframe
- 1kW DC modules
- PFC ≥0.95
- Reduced space and logistics hassles
- High power density
- Handles DC and AC power and load modules
- User configurable
- Universal AC/DC input
- Ease of integration
- Web browser control
- Trigger bus
- Configure modules to parallel or series operation “on the fly”
Integrated subsystem test
- SAS, BSS, Umbilical systems
- AC Input isolation
- Power Validation Fixtures
- Redundant OV & OI
- The RL113 High Intensity Bright Field ring light offers a very wide array of wavelengths from UV to IR.
- With intensities of up to 45.5kLux at 12” (300mm), the RL113 is particularly well suited to longer working distances.
- A rugged, heavy enclosure, compliant with IP67 requirements, is well suited to demanding environments.
- Ruggedized
- Wide (Global) Input
- On-Line Battery Back-Up
- Transient (Spike) Suppression
- Surge Suppression
- Input Distortion Elimination
AMETEK Programmable Power
Located in San Diego, California, AMETEK Programmable Power designs, manufactures, and markets precision, AC and DC programmable power supplies, electronic loads, application specific power subsystems, and compliance test solutions for customers requiring and valuing differentiated power products and services. Also part of our business is VTI Instruments, which delivers precision modular instrumentation and systems for electronic signal distribution, acquisition, and monitoring, used in the world's most demanding test applications.
AMETEK Programmable Power boasts one of the industries' broadest portfolios of programmable power products under the well-known and respected Sorensen, Elgar, and California Instruments brands. AMETEK Programmable Power’s products serve a wide range of stimulus (T&M) and process power needs in applications including semiconductor fabrication, commercial and defense ATE, oil exploration, solar array and battery string simulation, avionics, general R&D and EMC compliance testing.
VTI Instruments provides products and systems which are used to monitor and record data that characterizes the physical integrity and performance of aircraft, engines, and other large structures, as well as automate the functional testing of complex electronic systems. VTI Instruments is recognized as an industry leader with a reputation of providing reliable data, first time, every time.
With strong brands, a broad product portfolio, exceptional precision power conversion and control expertise, proven power system integration capabilities and deep applications knowledge, AMETEK Programmable Power is your source for programmable power supplies, precision data acquisition instruments, and more.
Contact Details
AMETEK Programmable Power, Inc. − San Diego
9250 Brown Deer Road, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
Phone: 858-450-0085
Fax: 858-458-0267
Email: sales.ppd@ametek.com for general inquiries
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