Z2094B Datasheet, PDF (3/8 Pages) Keysight Technologies – Solar Array Simulator System

03 | Keysight | Solar Array Simulator System - Technical Overview
System Simulation for Space Based
Solar Array Applications
The system structure offers the following:
–– Outstanding modularity for dynamic reconfiguration as array
architecture changes from program to program
–– Accurate simulation of any type of solar array
–– Small size - 2 outputs in 2U of rack space
–– High output power – up to 600 W per output
–– Fast I-V curve change and fast recovery switching time
–– Exceptional MTTR (Mean Time To Repair) including individual
module service and calibration, ensuring maximum uptime
availability
Multi Mode Simulation to Meet Test
Requirements
Multiple simulation modes
The E4360 SAS modules provide three operating modes, Simula-
tor, Table and Fixed modes.
To accurately simulate the I-V curve of a solar array, use simulator
or table mode. When a standard power supply is needed, use
fixed mode.
1. Simulator mode:
The E4360 Series SAS internally generate a 4,096 I-V point table
for each output channel. An internal algorithm is used to approx-
imate an I-V curve. This can be done via the I/O interfaces or
from the front panel where a PC is not needed. These four input
parameters are needed to establish a curve in this mode:
–– Voc - open circuit voltage
–– Isc - short circuit current
–– Imp - current at the peak power point on the curve
–– Vmp - voltage at the peak power point on the curve
Solar array simulation
Solar panels consisting of multiple solar arrays provide power to
satellites. They have unique I-V characteristics. Since the output
power of a solar array varies with environmental conditions (i.e.
temperature, darkness, light intensity), a specialized power supply
like a solar array simulator must be used for accurate simulation.
As the trend moves toward higher power solar panels, there is a
need for higher power solar array simulators or a larger number
of solar array simulators to supply the additional power needed
to simulate these higher power solar panels. Rack space is thus
becoming a premium. Satellite designers and manufacturers want
to quickly and accurately simulate real world conditions placed
on a satellite’s solar panel in orbit and they want to reduce the
size of their test racks by using smaller, higher density solar array
simulators.
In two rack units, an E4360A can provide 1200 W resulting in
a single rack as shown on the cover page, providing 14.4 kW of
power.
2. Table mode:
The I-V curve is determined by a user-defined table of points.
A table can have a minimum of 3 points, up to a maximum of
4000 points. A point corresponds to a specific value of I and V.
The SAS then automatically calculates an internal table from the
user defined points. As many as 30 tables may be stored in each
of the E4360A SAS built-in volatile and non-volatile memories.
The tables (I-V curve) stored in this non-volatile memory will
be retained when the power is turned off, while those stored in
volatile memory will be erased after power is removed. Addition-
ally, current and voltage offsets can be applied to the selected
table to simulate a change in the operating conditions of the solar
array.
3. Fixed mode:
This is the default mode when the unit is powered on. The unit has
the rectangular I-V characteristics of a standard power supply
and can automatically correct between constant voltage (CV) and
constant current (CC) modes.