The Elektro-Automatik PSBE 10060-170 3U Single Output Bi-Directional Programmable DC Power Supply is a two-quadrant device which can perform the function of a power supply as well as an electronic load. In load mode, the device is regenerative and feeds the energy back into the local grid with an efficiency over 93%. The PSBE 10060-170 3U is a part of the PSBE 10000 Series in which three-phase units, along with the wide input range, allows for use with practically all global mains voltages. The DC voltage and current are directed by the application and the spectrum ranges in a single device. The DC supply operates as a flexible output stage with a constant power characteristic (auto-ranging), and a wide voltage, current, and power range. To achieve higher power and current, the unit is equipped with a master-slave bus. This enables up to 64 parallel connected devices to be combined into one system. Such a system works as a single unit and can use different power classes where only the voltage class must remain constant. In this way, the user can construct a 75 kW system from two 30 kW and one 15 kW devices from the range of PSBE 10000 Series units. Furthermore, typical laboratory functionality is provided. This functionality includes an alarm and warning management, assorted interfaces and ports, software solutions, and more.

The PSBE 10060-170 3U is equipped with an active PFC which provides a high efficiency at a low energy consumption. With this device, a wide input voltage range is provided and extends from 3-phase 208V to 380V, 400V, and 480V AC mains supplies. The devices can be operated in the majority of global mains supplies. These devices will adjust automatically without additional configuration to the available supply. In a 208V AC grid, a derating of the output power is set.

The energy consumed in load mode is fed back into the connected mains supply with an efficiency of over 96%. This reduces cost as the energy is not converted to heat as in other loads. In addition, the devices generate less heat requiring less cost intensive air conditioning. One device is sufficient for the whole application, reducing investment and installation costs.

A device under test will take energy from the mains, convert it to DC, and feed it into the device. The PSBE 10060-170 3U converts this energy back into an AC current and feeds it back into the mains.

The output of the PSBE 10060-170 3U with a DC voltage of 0 to 10V up to 0 to 2000V allows for positive and negative current of 0 to 20A up to 0 to 1000A as a two-quadrant device. The flexible output stages (auto-ranging) provides the user with a wide voltage, current, and power range and a wider field of working than traditional power supplies.

Connection of the DC output is via a copper rail on the back side of the device. If a system with higher performance is required, the devices are simply connected in parallel. With minimal effort, devices can be linked with the vertical copper rails. A cover for contact protection is provided.

Auto-ranging is a term when a bi-directional programmable DC power supply automatically offers a wide output and input range of both voltage and current to maintain full power across a wide operation range. This type of solution allows the use of a single unit to address multiple voltage and current combinations.

The PSBE 10060-170 3U is fitted with the most important digital and analog interfaces and ports which are galvanically isolated. This includes an analog interface which can be parameterized for input and output, control and monitoring, of 0 to 5V or 0 to 10V for voltage, current, power, and resistance, assorted inputs and outputs, and USB or ethernet ports. This device can be fitted with various interface options that utilize the 'plug-and-play' slot.

High-power applications can be covered with high power systems of up to 1920 kW. This can be achieved by using the outputs of the PSBE 10060-170 3U and other devices in the PSBE 1000 Series, changing the copper rails to vertical, and connecting in parallel. A 19 inch cabinet with 42U can provide a system with 240 kW occupying 0.6m² floorspace. The master-slave bus enables up to 8 cabinets with a maximum of 64 units of 30 kW each to behave as one unit.

If the integral master-slave bus and share bus are used, a multi-device system behaves as a single device. The master-slave bus and the share bus are simply connected to each device. With the master-slave bus, the system data such as total power and total current are collected and shown in the master device. Warnings and alarms of the slave devices are shown clearly in the display. The share bus provides an equal load distribution to the individual devices.

Applications

A typical application for the PSBE 10060-170 3U is the testing of the electrical characteristics of a battery. The wide application spectrum covers cell, module, or pack tests and the determination of the SOH (State-of-Health) for a second life classification as well as the End-of-Line (EOL) test. These applications put many demands on power electronics which are fulfilled by the device. The excellent features of this device include measurement of voltage and current with the required accuracy and performance, reproducibility and reliability of this data, and the flexible usability. Whether in an automated test system or in an integrated battery test, all possibilities are open to the user.

Additional applications include the simulation of batteries as single cells, modules, or packs. These simulations aid in the optimal configuration of energy storage as well as the supplied components under test. Wherever reproducible data is needed, a battery simulator is the first choice. The use of a simulator as a power source provides protection for the connected consuming component. The Over Current-Protection (OCP) can, like a safety fuse, switch off the output and generate an alarm. The voltage can be monitored and can, if over or under limits, trigger various functions, and also generate warnings and alarms. Thus, many integrated functions can be safely performed.

The device may be used for testing the electrical features of fuel cells, fuel cell stacks, and fuel cell systems. Here, they generate highly accurate and reproducible results in all electrical modes. To test the resistance, performance, and active life of a fuel cell quickly and economically, users can readily incorporate the device into an automatic test system. The feedback capability guarantees high levels of energy and cost efficiency. If higher currents are needed for testing a complete fuel cell system, then multiple devices can be connected in parallel in a master-slave system. Here, high accuracy and performance are maintained.

In an on-board charger test (OBC), the electrical features must be tested under various conditions. This requires a flexible test system which also provides test data. With the sequencing and logging functions of the device, test procedures allow data to be exported and saved. Applications can promptly generate reproducible test results based on dynamic and highly accurate set point and measurement data. To avoid competition between two separate control loops of the device under test (DUT) and the test device, the control frequency of the power supply is adjustable. The modes Normal, Fast, and Slow allow the device to match the control characteristics of the on-board charger.

This device enables retired batteries from electric vehicles to be considered for a possible further use. Assessment of the battery pack starts with a State of Health (SOH) check to determine if a second life is feasible. This standard integral function can be initiated with one click. If this check shows too little rest capacity, then the battery must be fully discharged before recycling. The auto-ranging of the device guarantees the maximum possible total discharge though the high load current, even with voltages under 2V. The mains feedback to the power grid at a high efficiency makes this process highly cost effective.