Photovoltaic array simulators

Keysight Technologies has introduced the N8937APV and N8957APV, two photovoltaic (PV) array simulators, to help engineers develop, verify and maximise the performance of inverter maximum power point tracking algorithms and circuits.

The N8937/57APV PV array simulators are autoranging, single-output, programmable DC power sources that are claimed to simulate I-V curve characteristics under different environmental conditions (temperature, irradiance, age, cell technology and more), enabling engineers to test their inverters.

The N8937/57APV PV array simulators feature stable output power, built-in voltage and current measurements and autoranging output voltage and current from 500 to 1,500V and 10 to 30A. The autoranging capability makes the units more flexible than traditional rectangular-output power supplies because they expand the power curve to provide more voltage and current combinations.

In addition to simulating PV arrays, engineers can also use the N8937/57APV units for other test and measurement tasks. They provide 15kW autoranging, programmable DC power for design verification and ATE applications that require performance at an affordable price. Additionally, engineers can configure multiple units in parallel to create a single power supply that offers more than 90kW of power.