Elgar TerraSAS Programmable Photovoltaic Solar Array Simulator

The Elgar TerraSAS (TSAS) Programmable Photovoltaic Solar Array Simulator,  provides an easily programmable means of simulating the characteristic behavior of a PV array. The system provides a turn-key approach to testing the maximum peak power tracking (MPPT) characteristics for grid-tied inverters and DC charge controllers. The ability to simulate virtually any fill factor or solar cell material allows the customer to validate the MPPT algorithm with a power source.

Hardware control is accomplished by an application running on the local controller that communicates directly to the PV simulator using RS422, which operate as a dedicated IV curve generation processor. The local Graphical User Interface (GUI) is accomplished via another application that provides all of the user controls to the TerraSAS system. Imbedded in the application is the Ethernet (LAN) parser for remote communication and control. All of the functions available locally through the controller are also available remotely.

Elgar TerraSAS Features:

• Simulate dynamic irradiance & temperature across weather conditions
• Ramp voltage, temperature or irradiance level over programmed interval
• Test for inverter Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)
• Provide programmable I-V curves for PV Inverter testing
• Simulates different types of solar cell material
• Multi-Channel, Up to 1MW

Elgar TerraSAS Specifications:

AC Power	AC Input Voltage: 115V (for DCS) 208VAC three phase Std, 400VAC and 480VAC three phase are optional (Input current depends on power rating)
DC Output	Open circuit voltage, Voc: 0 - 1000VDC Short circuit current, Isc: 0 – 1000A Maximum output power at MPP: 1MW (Lower voltage ranges will provide proportionately higher currents) 1-6 channel output, consult factory for additional channels.
Programmable Parameters	Irradiance level: 0 to 2000 W/m² Temperature: -40 to 90°C Temperature Coefficient: 0 to -65,000 mV/°C Simulation Times: 0 to 65,000 seconds Isolation relay and polarity relay closure
Accuracy	Voltage Readback: 0.2% of rated max voltage Current Readback: 0.5% of max current
Programming Interface	Ethernet with RJ-45 connector / LAN
AC Input Connections	Finger safe, pressure type connectors three phase AC four wire plus safety ground stud AC input circuit breaker
DC Output Connections	Finger safe, pressure type connectors positive and negative
Safety	The output isolation relay operates as a disconnect relay in the event of a malfunction or an open interlock contact

Output Voltage and Current Ranges

Power (MPP)	1 kW	5 kW	10 kW	15 kW	RMS	P-P	DC Leakage Current
Voc
80V	Isc=12.5	Isc=83A	Isc=167A	Isc=250A	20 mV	100 mV
600Voc	Isc=1.6A	Isc=8A	Isc=16A	Isc=25A	60 mV	350 mV	335mA
1000Voc	N/A	Isc=5A	Isc=10A	N/A			<1mA