The linear power amplifiers of Spitzenberger&Spies enable the coupling of simulated and actual hardware according to the concept of Power Hardware-in-the-Loop. For this purpose, they receive voltage or current setpoints from the simulation and convert them into real currents or voltages. As a response from the real hardware, the current or voltage is again measured and returned to the simulation.

The power amplifier comes from the APS series, which is connected to the real-time simulator via optical fibers. The communication delay is reduced to a few microseconds, which increases the stability of the PHiL simulations. Communication via optical fibers using the Aurora protocol represents the latest development in the field of PHiL simulations and enables frequencies up to the kilohertz range to be represented, so that the behavior of switching inverters, for example, can also be emitted.

Three amplifiers with 7.5kW power each are used, which can either be used to couple three-phase networks, or together provide up to 22.5kW power in single-phase operation. The amplifier has a slew rate of 52V/µs and can thus perform a setpoint step from 0V to the maximum voltage of 425V within 8µs.

•     Communication with the real-time simulator via fiber optic cable
•     Power up to 22,5kW
•     slew rate of 52V/µs
•     maximum output voltage 425V