AMETEK offering a fully automated EN50530 test solution reducing PV inverter time to market

November 30, 2011
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

AMETEK Programmable Power will be offering a fully automated EN50530 test solution that utilizes three core ‘Surround the Inverter’ elements: the TerraSAS Solar Array Simulator, MX/RS Grid-Simulator and CTS Compliance Test System. The programmable power products and systems simulate the output of solar arrays, the loads applied to the output of the inverter and the interface with the grid, providing a comprehensive and energy efficient means of testing PV inverters.

Problem

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Testing to the EN50530 standard for efficiency of grid-connected PV inverters normally requires an engineer or technician to be present to manually progress through each curve set.

Solution

The automated test system is configured and controlled via AMETEK ‘Windows’-based software that enables users to select the EN50530 Test regime, connect the inverter under test, start the test, walk away and return to collect the report. 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 operates as a dedicated IV curve generation processor.

Applications

PV inverter manufacturers and testing houses.

Platform

TerraSAS Solar Array Simulators are available as single- or multi-channel systems from 5kW-1MW (80V-1500V). Single/Three-Phase MX/RS Series Grid Simulators are available from 15kVA-1MVA and offer an innovative Energy Regeneration mode that returns up to 85% of the electricity generated by the inverter back to the grid.

Availability

Shipment of the EN50530 solution is expected to begin in early Q2 of 2012.

Read Next

October 20, 2025
New federal policies in the US will 'cloud' the country’s renewable energy sector, according to a webinar hosted by Wood Mackenzie.
October 20, 2025
Spain has amended its national common agricultural policy (PAC) framework to include agrivoltaic (agriPV) systems to be eligible for subsidies.
October 20, 2025
Details of tariffs on US imports of polysilicon products may be announced as early as the end of this month, according to a note from investment bank Roth Capital.
October 20, 2025
Bahrainian authorities are inviting initial proposals from developers to build a 100MW solar project in the country, due for commercial operation by September 2027.
Premium
October 17, 2025
According to Ronak Maheshwari of CRC-IB, there has been a struggle for US renewable power projects to secure necessary equity .
October 17, 2025
Norwegian renewable energy firm Scatec has signed lease agreements for 64MW of solar PV and 10MWh of energy storage capacity in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 21, 2025
New York, USA
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK