The Keysight PV8922A is a high-performance photovoltaic array simulator engineered to replicate real-world solar array electrical characteristics for inverter testing and development. This programmable DC power source delivers up to 20 kW across a 2000 VDC, 30 A output range with autoranging capability, enabling flexible voltage and current combinations such as 2000 V at 10 A or 667 V at 30 A. It simulates I-V curve behavior through curve mode mathematical generation or table mode with up to 1024 discrete points, supporting rigorous validation of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms. The instrument also functions as a traditional autoranging DC power supply when needed.
Technical Specifications
• Maximum Output DC Voltage: 2000 VDC
• Maximum Output Current: 30 A
• Maximum Power: 20 kW DC
• Input Voltage: 400/480 VAC
• Isolation Voltage: 2000 V
• Form Factor: 3U rack mount
– Key Features
• Autoranging output supports full 20 kW power across the entire voltage and current range, unlike fixed-point rectangular supplies
• Curve Mode: Mathematically generated I-V characteristic simulation
• Table Mode: User-defined I-V curves with up to 1024 programmable points
• Parallel scalability to 600 kW total output when multiple units are connected
• Multi-MPPT testing capability for up to 12 simultaneous MPPT channels
• Standard interfaces: LAN (LXI Core), USB, GPIB
– Typical Applications
• Solar inverter performance characterization and algorithm validation
• MPPT tracking efficiency measurement under simulated array conditions
• Multi-input photovoltaic inverter testing with distributed power sources
• Dynamic power supply operation for general-purpose DC testing
– Compatibility & Integration
The PV8922A integrates with Keysight’s DG9000A Advanced Multi-Input Photovoltaic Inverter Test Software for coordinated multi-channel inverter validation. Multiple instruments can be paralleled to achieve system-level power outputs reaching 600 kW.
