Introduction

Solar Array Simulator (SAS) Z2094B

Capability Overview

Solar Array Simulator System (SAS) - Z2094B Capability Overview – Preliminary August 31, 2009 Note: Contact your Agilent sales representative for configuration and pricing information.

The Agilent SAS, Solar Array System provides precise, fast and cost efficient simulation of multiple segment solar array output character-istics. The simulator is able to work with volt-age regulation topologies including:

MPPT – Maximum Peak Power Tracker

Sequential Shunt Regulation

Series Switch Regulation

Direct Connection

A typical SAS system contains between 12 and 100 power output modules with each module capable of simulating a single string, segment or solar module. The power output modules can be grouped in collections consistent with the solar array architecture.

System Simulation for Space based Solar Arrays

Applications

The system structure offers outstanding modular-ity for dynamic reconfiguration as Array architec-ture changes from program to program. Excep-tional MTTR (Mean Time To Repair) including indi-vidual module repair and calibration, ensuring maximum availability.

Accurate simulation of any type of solar array

Small size: 2 outputs in 2U of rack space

High output power – up to 600 W per out-put

Fast I-V curve change and fast recovery switching time

Multi Mode Simulation to meet test requirements

Page 2 Solar Array Simulator (SAS) - Z2094B

Solar Array Simulator (SAS) - Z2094B Capability Overview – Preliminary August 31, 2009 Note: Contact your Agilent sales representative for configuration and pricing information.

Solar Array Simulation Solar panels consisting of multiple solar arrays provide power to satel-lites. They have unique I-V characteristics. Since the output power of a solar array varies with environmental conditions (i.e. temperature, dark-ness, light intensity), a specialized power supply like a solar array simu-lator must be used for accurate simulation. As the trend moves toward higher power solar panels, there is a need for higher-power solar array simulators or a larger number of solar array simulators to supply the additional power needed to simulate these higher power solar panels. Rack space is thus becoming a premium. Satellite designers and manu-factures want to quickly and accurately simulate real world conditions placed on a satellite’s solar panel in orbit and they want to reduce the size of their test racks by using smaller, higher density solar array simula-tors.

Multiple Simulation Modes

The E4360 SAS modules provide three operating modes, Simulator, Table and Fixed modes. To accurately simulate the I-V cure of a solar array, use simulator or table modes. When a standard power supply is needed, use fixed mode.

1. Simulator Mode:

The Z2094B SAS internally generates a 4,096 I-V point table for each output channel. An internal algorithm is used to approximate an I-V curve. This can be done via the I/O interfaces or from the front panel where a PC is not needed. These four input parameters are needed to establish a curve in this mode:

Voc - open circuit voltage

Isc - short circuit current

Imp - current at the peak power point on the curve

Vmp - voltage at the peak power point on the curve

2. Table Mode:

The I-V curve is determined by a user-defined table of points. A table can have a minimum of 3 points, up to a maximum of 4000 points. A point corresponds to a specific value of I and V. The SAS then automatically calculates an internal table from the user defined points. As many as 30 tables may be stored in each of the E4360 SAS built-in volatile and non-volatile memories. The tables (I-V curve) stored in this non-volatile memory will be retained when the power is turned off, while those stored in volatile memory will

be erased after power is removed. Additionally, current and voltage offsets can be applied to the selected table to simulate a change in the operating conditions of the solar array.

3. Fixed Mode:

This is the default mode when the unit is powered on. The unit has the rectangular I-V characteristics of a standard power supply.

Agilent SAS Monitor and Software control application

Page 3 Solar Array Simulator (SAS) - Z2094B

Monitor and Software control application

The monitor and software control application con-sists of three(3) major components:

SAS monitor which provides a real time display and event logging

SAS self test System level SCPI remote interface

SAS self test

System self test performs the following test in mass or selectively: Internal diagnostic tests for all main-

frames and modules and additional instruments. Isolation, OVP, OCP, booster switch , external isola-tion relay, are performed if the self test loads are installed. All results are reported and logged for ar-chival reference. Self test can be configured to run without the self test loads and test will be limited to an appropriate subset.

SAS Monitor and Event log

The SAS Monitor Application is a software suite, that provides a complete configure, control, observe, and troubleshoot software package for use with the Solar Array Simulator system. The Monitor itself provides a graphical user interface that allows for easily observing the status of each of the Agilent E4360A mainframes in a system. It displays

Solar Array Simulator (SAS) - Z2094B Capability Overview – Preliminary August 31, 2009 Note: Contact your Agilent sales representative for configuration and pricing information.

important details about each of the SAS modules, including its output state, output voltage and cur-rent, mode of operation, etc.

Monitor Status Display

SAS SCPI system interface (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments)

The system level SCPI allows all of the SAS modules and subsystems to be programmed and controlled as a single system interface using a LAN connection. In addition, it provides a remote web interface to the system identical to the monitor and event logging application. The SCPI command set is in confor-mance with the SCPI Consortium 1999 standard. Details of this command interface can be found in “Agilent Z2090B-156 Solar Array Simulator System Programmer's Reference” . It utilizes TCP-IP and static addressing for remote communication.

In addition, the system supports a pragmatic inter-face from NI-VISA, Agilent VISA, LabVIEW 8.2, C++ and C#.

Application specific simulations can be created us-ing the tool available the SAS SCPI interface. The interface allows multiple channels to be configured as groups and controlled by SAS lists. A series of list elements can emulate an Eclipse, Satellite rota-tion, partial occlusion by an approaching space craft, string failures and other operational events. Details for the operation are available in the follow-ing Documents: SAS Monitor User's Guide Ge-neric; Self Test User's Guide Generic; and Agilent SAS Programmer's Reference Generic.

Agilent SAS System Characteristics

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System Controller

The core system includes a ruggedized industrial PC (IPC), rack mounted in the SAS system controller. The customer may request custom configurations. Basic features include:

Windows XP Pro with SP3

Dual core Intel processor 2.13GHz with 2G RAM, DVD RW multi drive and 500G hard drives.

2 LAN ports, one for instruments, one for enter-prise connection

Drawer style KBD and integrated display (see pre-vious page)

System Software

The controller hosts the Solar Array Simulator System Control tools (14360A) and Norton Ghost for backup.

The Solar Array Simulator System Control tools (14360) are a powerful addition that greatly simplifies the programming and control of multiple E4360A instruments. It consists of three components: the Software Driver, the Configuration Wizard, and the Server Control with Web GUI. For more information refer to the URL: http://www.home.agilent.com/agilent/editorial.jspx?cc=US&lc=eng&ckey=1419628&nid=-11143.0.00&id=1419628

Output Modules

Currently Agilent offers any combination of the fol-lowing output modules for configuration in the sys-tem: E4361A, E4362A, E4362A-J01, E4362A-J02 and E4362A-J03.

Solar Array Simulator (SAS) - Z2094B Capability Overview – Preliminary August 31, 2009 Note: Contact your Agilent sales representative for configuration and pricing information.

volts and 510, 600, 594 and 594W respectively. Addi-tional specification can be found at: http://cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/5989-8485EN.pdf (pages 8-11).

Cooling

The SAS system has been designed to maximize the cooling efficiency of the rack. Input air is routed from the front of the rack to the top and rear to maximize cooling and minimize ambient noise.

Interconnect Panel

The interconnect panel is shown in the image below along with the Power Distribution Unit. Agilent will customize the interconnect panel to match your fa-cility needs.

Input Power

Agilent offers complete systems including custom designed power distribution unit (PDU) for your fully configured system. These systems typically require three phase power due to the high power demands of a large SAS system. The PDU picture below is configured as three phase 208 at 60 Amps per phase.

Agilent SAS System Ordering Information

Page 5 Solar Array Simulator (SAS) - Z2094B

Core Solar Array Simulator System Z2094B-103 Single 1.6 M or 80” rack with PC controller installed Wiring infrastructure including power, networking , cooling, and interface panel Supports up to 24 Output channels (zero channels include)

Expansion Rack infrastructure Z2094B-xxx Single 1.6 M or 80” rack (does not include a PC controller) Wiring infrastructure including power, networking , cooling, and interface panel Supports up to 24 Output channels (zero channels included)

SAS Monitor and Software control application include in Core System level software interface Self test Remote SCPI interface for the system

SAS Other simulation options custom options Thermistor Simulator Heater Simulator Micro switch Simulator Strain gauge Simulator

Custom configurations available to meet your specific application needs.

Solar Array Simulator (SAS) - Z2094B Capability Overview – Preliminary August 31, 2009 Note: Contact your Agilent sales representative for configuration and pricing information.

Page 6 Solar Array Simulator (SAS) - Z2094B

Solar Array Simulator (SAS) - Z2094B Capability Overview – Preliminary August 31, 2009 Note: Contact your Agilent sales representative for configuration and pricing information.

Application Assistance Agilent’s application experts are available to help optimize the system, taking full advantage of the sys-tem capability for your unique application. Operator training is also available to help you get the system into service quickly. If your application goes beyond the standard system offering described above, Agilent program managers and engineering professionals can help define and implement unique functionality. They ensure that your custom system requirements are implemented successfully.

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Our Promise Our Promise means your Agilent test and measure-ment equipment will meet its advertised perform-ance and functionality. When you are choosing new equipment, we will help you with product informa-tion, including realistic performance specifications and practical recommendations from experienced test engineers. When you use Agilent equipment, we can verify that it works properly, help with product operation, and provide basic measurement assis-tance for the use of specified capabilities, at no extra cost upon request. Many self-help tools are available.

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