New Industry Products

15kW Bi-directional Power Supplies Double as Electronic Loads

March 22, 2018 by Paul Shepard

With the new SM500-CP-90 Delta Elektronika has extended their offering to a higher power level: from 6kW maximum per supply to 15kW. Increased power without compromising either specifications or lifespan is what the SM500-CP-90 offers.

Advancements in power electronics technology have enabled adding features that customers demanded but were previously impossible while maintaining very competitive prices.

Several new features are introduced in the SM500-CP-90. One is already implied in the unit name: CP is short for Constant Power. The constant power characteristic is not new, but along with a bi-directional power flow it is. Here are the most striking features.

Flexible output for better value

The constant output power covers the output range of five separate power supplies with a traditional rectangular VI-curve. Choosing the best output range is much easier now and offers users far better value for money.

  • 500 Volts @ +30 Amps
  • 250 Volts @ +60 Amps
  • 167 Volts @ +90 Amps
  • 500 Volts @ -30 Amps
  • 250 Volts @ -60 Amps
  • 167 Volts @ -90 Amps

Bi-directional power flow

Bi-directional power means the same constant power characteristic in the second quadrant for the full 15kW. It operates like an electronic load too: previously Delta’s power supplies would be equipped with an optional power sink capable of absorbing up to 10% of the total energy which was dissipated via internal heat sinks.

Now, the power sink is standard and can sink up to 100% of the power without the need for dissipating lots of energy.

Power Recovery [Regeneration] Technology

With the new Power Recovery [Regeneration] Technology Delta returns full power back into the grid and the efficiency of 95% avoids the need for expensive water cooling. Compared to traditional electronic loads – where dissipation is 100% – there is a power loss of just 5%.

Rooms will be cooler, costs for air conditioning systems will drop significantly and overall, the SM500-CP-90 contributes to a smaller carbon footprint.

Extremely good dynamic response to load changes

Fast response to load changes has been a challenge for a long time, especially when it comes to changing from positive to negative current and vice versa.

Previously, for applications requiring source and sink devices, several solutions were offered such as pre-loads.

The full integration of source and sink in one device is a neater and more efficient solution. The output voltage of a SM500-CP-90 recovers in 200µs after a load change from +90 to -90A and -90 to +90A.

Inclusive functionality

Besides the constant power output and the bi-directional power flow a lot of other features are included in the standard versions of the SM15K-series. For instance:

  • Ethernet interface
  • Built-in sequencer
  • Digital control to adapt regulation to match load type
  • Fine tune settings

Optional interfaces

The standard interface for the SM500-CP-90 is the Ethernet interface (16 bit) with built in sequencer. For digital I/O, serial programming and isolated contacts optional plug and play interfaces are yet available. The interface module for master/slave operation, analog programming and one with simulation software are under development. SMK15K optional interfaces:

  • Digital I/O interface
  • Interface with isolated contacts
  • Serial interface with multi protocols: RS232, RS485, RS422, USB (device)
  • Isolated analog programming interface (under development)
  • Master/Slave interface (under development)
  • Interface with simulation software (under development)