AC network simulation for device testing under real mains conditions
Resilience of electrical devices and systems in real grid operation
A permanently stable power grid is desirable, but rarely found in reality. This is because voltage fluctuations, frequency deviations and harmonic distortions repeatedly disrupt actual operation. Systems and components must be able to withstand these fluctuations. That is why they must be tested under realistic conditions by developers, test engineers and quality managers. AC grid simulators are used for these tasks, enabling precise, repeatable and safe testing without having to use the public grid.
Areas of application and challenges for grid simulators
Grid simulators are used to test electrical devices that interact with the supply grid, whether as consumers or as energy-feeding systems.
Typical areas of application include:
- On-board chargers (OBC) for electric vehicles
– Testing AC/DC conversion, charging profiles and communication protocols
– Simulation of international grid conditions (single-phase and three-phase, 50/60 Hz) - Inverters and regenerative systems
e.g. PV systems, battery inverters, grid stabilisation - UPS systems and grid-synchronous storage solutions
Special challenges:
- Simulation of complex grid phenomena (e.g. voltage dips, harmonics)
- Standard-compliant test procedures (e.g. IEC 61000)
- Safe testing of fault conditions (short circuit, phase failure)
- Repeatability in series or EOL test benches
- Compensation of thermal losses in model networks
Schulz-Electronic's range of AC mains simulation products
Schulz-Electronic offers flexible and powerful AC mains simulators from renowned manufacturers such as ITECH and Regatron.
Our product range for AC mains simulation
ITECH IT7900-Serie / IT7900E / IT7900EP
Bidirectional AC/DC sources for demanding mains simulation
- Simulation of voltage dips, frequency shifts and mains faults
- Single-phase or three-phase operation
- Regenerative, high power density
- Ideal for OBC, UPS and inverter tests
- Integrated test profiles according to IEC 61000 and harmonic analysis functions
Regatron TC.ACS
Highly flexible AC mains simulator for research, development and quality assurance
- Fine-grained control of voltage, frequency and phase angle
- Ideal for power hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) and smart grid simulations
- Regenerative, modularly expandable
- Easy to combine with DC sources and loads