Technological barriers of traditional systems
Many existing high-power systems, particularly those based on conventional rectifier technology, have significant disadvantages:
- Low power density.
- High harmonic distortion (THD), leading to poor grid quality.
- Limited programmability.
- Long development/production times for customer-specific solutions.
In addition, older systems are often inflexible and difficult to integrate into modern test environments. Furthermore, much older high-power rectifier technology guarantees considerable pollution (power quality issues) to the grid. Necessary and costly compensation therefore makes the advantages of a relatively inexpensive rectifier less attractive.
Breakthrough: Advanced SiC Technology
The application of relatively new and advanced SiC (Silicon Carbide) semiconductor technology has led to the development of a new generation of AC/DC test equipment. Suppliers have developed standardised, modular test systems which:
- Capacities of 1 MW and above can supply or consume power.
- High switching frequencies and low losses combined with excellent grid interaction.
- Bidirectional operation as SOURCE and regenerative LOAD.
- Can be implemented redundantly for higher reliability.
- Compact thanks to high power density.
With standard power instrumentation, it has become possible to configure a test setup for MW/MVA applications relatively quickly and easily.
In addition to relatively fast delivery times, these standard AC/DC power supplies offer enormous advantages in terms of impressive functionality, stability, operation and programmability, redundant functions and high power density.
