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AMETEK PROGRAMMABLE POWER
9250 Brown Deer Road, San Diego, CA U.S.A.
www.programmablepower.com
AMETEK’s TerraSAS Solar Array Simulator Enhances Inverter Testing
New TerraSAS provides turn-key solution for testing grid-tied inverters and DC charge controllers;
High-speed response enhances maximum power point (MPP) tracking simulation
SAN DIEGO, Calif., U.S.A., May 6, 2010—The Elgar brand TerraSAS Solar Array Simulator from
AMETEK Programmable Power offers a fully integrated solution for the design, development and
production testing of inverters and micro-inverters for domestic and industrial solar energy
systems. The TerraSAS simulates photovoltaic (PV) dynamic solar irradiance and temperature
characteristics over a range of weather conditions from clear to cloudy and over a specified time
interval to produce the current / voltage (IV) characteristics for the specified PV array for those
conditions.
For ease of use, the system’s simulation engine is able to download data from the National
Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Solar Advisor Model database defining key parameters open circuit voltage (Voc), short circuit current (Isc) and maximum power point voltage (Vmpp) at
25 degrees C and 1000 W/m 2 irradiance - so that the IV curve can be calculated according to a
standard solar cell model for virtually any fill factor or solar material. Other PV panel IV curves
can be entered manually. Systems with multiple panels with different characteristics resulting in
“multiple hump” IV curves also can be simulated. In addition, the TerraSAS is capable of
simultaneously simulating up to 24 parallel channels for use with micro-inverters.
“An essential part of this testing is to provide the inverter under test with accurate simulation of
the PV array response to its maximum power point tracking (MPP) function. To perform this task,
the power source must accurately process the PV array's IV curve without filtering the low
frequency ripple voltage produced by the inverter to track MPP,” comments Eric Turner, AMETEK
product manager for TerraSAS.
“The TerraSAS delivers an order of magnitude improvement in this critical response over
conventional switch mode DC power sources. The application of high-speed switching power
supplies and advanced DSP signal processing allows us to attain superior MPP tracking
response without the need for bulky and expensive linear power supplies," notes Turner.
The modular, rack-mounted Elgar TerraSAS system offers the following:

One or more programmable DC power supplies with optimized, high-speed output
response available in 1 to 15 kW increments

A controller module and simulation engine for implementing the sequencing of the PV
panel(s) IV curves

Power supplies that can be configured master/auxiliary to provide high power systems

User friendly key board and Graphical User Interface (GUI) display

Relays for output isolation and polarity reversing
For more information, contact AMETEK Programmable Power sales at
www.programmablepower.com or contact an authorized sales representative.
AMETEK Programmable Power is a division of AMETEK, Inc, a leading global manufacturer of
electronic instruments and electromechanical devices with 2009 sales of $2.1 billion.
Editor Contact:
AMETEK Programmable Power
Craig Frahm, Marketing Manager
9250 Brown Deer Road
San Diego, CA 92121
Phone: 858.678.4459
Email: [email protected]
Agency Contact:
WelComm, Inc.
Greg Evans, P.E.
7975 Raytheon Road, Suite 340
San Diego, CA 92111
Phone: 858.279.2100
Email: [email protected]