Circuit breaker simulator

solarcustomdual-channel

Product
Product: Solar Array Simulator (SAS)
Description: Photovoltaic emulation

Overview
A spacecraft solar array is subjected to large temperature excursions, varying insolation, mechanical changes and aging, which substantially affect both its short and long term performance. To test a spacecraft's power environment on the ground, a solar array simulator reproduces all possible solar array outputs based on a wide variety of input conditions including orbital rotation, spin, axis alignment, eclipse events, beginning-of-life and end-of-life operation. The SAS provides programmable control of all parameters that shape the solar cell I/V output curve, enabling accurate simulation of solar panels under various space conditions and comprehensive verification of spacecraft power systems and associated electronics.

Each Solar Array Simulator is a fully integrated, turn-key system with a Windows graphical user interface and hardware control software. It can be remotely controlled and addressed as a single device when integrated into a customer's test system via standard Ethernet or optional GPIB interfaces using SCPI-format commands. Discrete hardware protection systems are standard, including 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. SAS systems have been delivered ranging from desktop, 2-channel R&D units to systems capable of controlling two 64-channel SAS systems simultaneously. Systems can be customized using a standard building-block approach to meet special requirements.

Features And Benefits

• Spin mode to simulate a spinning satellite.
• Enhanced Eclipse mode for programming eclipse events with full control over V–I curve parameters and dwell times.
• Operates with Sequential Shunt Regulators and Maximum Power Point Trackers.
• Multiple redundant OVP/OIP layers and bus overvoltage protection.
• Hardware shutdown system and discrete protection enabling <10 microsecond power removal.
• Total control of I/V behavior via Fast Profiling Current Source (FPCS) technology.
• Nonparametric mode to program I/V curves unique to the application.
• FPCS modules can be series- or parallel-configured to simulate larger array segments; multiple master SAS systems can be connected to create very large SAS systems.
• Customer-defined output connectors.

Technical specifications

• FPCS (Fast Profiling Current Source) provides programmable control of all four parameters required to independently control the characteristic I/V diode output curve for each channel.
• Nonparametric mode available for custom I/V curve programming.
• Each FPCS channel delivers 450 W or 500 W of power.
• Two channels housed in a single 5-1/4" chassis (two-channel per chassis form factor).
• Each FPCS module can simulate one or two array strings; modules can be series- or parallel-connected to simulate larger segments.
• Open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current are scalable to meet customer requirements.
• Remote control via standard Ethernet; optional GPIB interface available; control via SCPI-format commands.
• Discrete hardware protection: electronic circuit breaker and relay disconnect per string; subsystems capable of removing output power in under 10 microseconds.
• Systems range from desktop 2-channel R&D units to large multi-channel configured systems (examples include systems controlling two 64-channel SAS setups).
• Designed for operation at the knee of the I/V curve; fast profiling current source enables accurate real-world solar array power simulation.