Full Description

The purpose of this part of IEC TS 63106 is to provide recommendations for Low Voltage (LV) DC power simulators used for testing photovoltaic (PV) power conversion equipment (PCE) to utility interconnection or PV performance standards.

NOTE Low Voltage refers to DC voltage 1 500 V and less.

In this document, the term "DC power simulator" refers to any source that is used during testing to provide DC power to the Equipment Under Test (EUT). That includes, but is not limited to, PV array simulators designed to simulate the DC output I-V curve of a photovoltaic array operating in real-world conditions.

This document primarily addresses DC power simulators used for testing of grid-interactive PCE, also referred to as grid-connected power converters (GCPCs). It also addresses some uses of DC power simulators for testing stand-alone and multi-mode PCEs.

There are many types of tests that can be conducted by utilizing a DC power simulator. Certain tests require the use of a PV array or PV array simulator, such as measurements of the PCE's PV input static and dynamic characteristics related to maximum power point tracking, while other tests may be appropriate to conduct with a static DC power supply. Test requirements and procedures are specified in IEC standards and local utility grid requirements, selected by the system integrator, PCE manufacturer, network operator, utility, or third-party inspector.