ERI Series - Regenerative

End of Life ERI Series: Oct. 31, 2023

Description

ERI Series electronic loads feed the consumed energy back to the local power grid. Another feature of these devices is an extensive variety of standard data interfaces. Apart from Ethernet, USB and RS-232 there is a standard CAN interface. GPIB can be installed as an option (ERI02). Programming is done in SCPI with an extensive command syntax.

Cooling

ERI loads recover the consumed energy instead of converting to thermal energy. Thus, electricity costs are reduced and the environment is only slightly warmed. As a consequence, in many cases air-condition is unnecessary. Energy recycling loads do not need powerful fans. That makes the devices acceptably quiet and therefore perfectly fit for laboratory operation.

Energy Recycling

The consumed energy is fed back to the mains supply with an efficiency of ca. 90 %. The operation in the sense of a power generation into the public electricity grid is not provided with these energy recycling loads. The load must be connected to a low-voltage mains supply with a fixed installed and separately fused supply line. The ERI load has a simple and non-redundant monitoring of the power supply. If limit values are exceeded, it switches off the power stage unit. This monitoring does not replace any grid or system protection which must be installed if necessary for the protection of persons and the local grid.

Operating Modes and Functions

Basic and Combined Operating Modes

The devices have the operating modes constant current (CC), constant voltage (CV), constant resistance (CR) and constant power (CP). Furthermore, protection values for undervoltage and overcurrent can be set in each operating mode. This results in the combined operating modes CC+CV, CR+CC+CV, CP+CC+CV, CV+CC.

Dynamic Load with List  Function

Dynamic operation (LIST function) can be configured by up to 300 list point settings. The electronic load saves the synchronously acquired measurement data with timestamp.

Data Acquisition

An automatic data acquisition function allows to store measurement data internal or directly on an external USB flash drive.

Energy Storage Test/Discharge Function

The discharge function discharges energy storage devices such as accumulators, batteries, ultracaps etc. in a controlled manner under definable switch-off conditions. The values determined in the process, such as charge and energy, can be read locally and via a data interface.

Internal Resistance Measurement

The electronic load can measure the DC internal resistance of the connected test object. For this purpose it uses a calculation method which is specified in various standards, e.g. DIN EN 61951, DIN EN 61960.

Watchdog Function

If the watchdog function is activated, the load input is switched off in case of faulty communication with the control PC in order to protect the connected DUT.

MPP Tracking (option ERI21)

The Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) function is used to test solar or photovoltaic modules. For this purpose the maximum power point (MPP) of the connected DUT is controlled in CV mode.

Trigger Model

A configurable trigger model controls data acquisition, static and dynamic settings.

Parallel Connection in Master-Slave operation

To increase the power or current capability electronic loads of equal model can be operated in parallel in Master-Slave mode as one system. ERI series loads need the optional I/O port (ERI06) for this purpose.

Loading Capacity

The model range covers power classes from  600 W, up to 28,000 W continuous power rating. In addition the models up to 300 V have an overload capability. The height and duration of the possible overload depends on the temperature of the power stage. The unit indicates the currently possible overload. Therefore the units can be used  even for considerably more powerful applications.

Protections

• Current limitation
• Power limitation
• Overtemperature protection
• Simple mains supply monitoring

Data Interfaces

The following data interfaces are included as standard:

• Ethernet
• USB
• RS-232
• CAN

Optionally deliverable:

• GPIB (option ERI02)

LabVIEW drivers are certified by National Instruments.

Galvanically Isolated Fast I/O Port (Option ERI06)

Optional galvanically isolated I/O port to prevent ground loops, for following functions:

• Load setting C and V
• Analog setting of C and V protections
• Load on-off
• Operating mode selection
• Voltage monitor output
• Current monitor output
• Trigger input
• Trigger output
• Digital input
• Programmable digital output

Calibration

A free Factory Calibration Certificate (FCC) is supplied with the devices. The calibration process is subject to supervision in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001. The calibration certificate documents the traceability to national standards to illustrate the physical device in accordance with the international System of Units (SI). Within the 2-year warranty period, we will calibrate a second time free of charge if the respective device (serial number) will have been registrated at H&H.

--> Conditions for a second free calibration

For use under laboratory conditions, H&H recommends a calibration interval of 2 years. This is an empirical value that can be used as a guide for the first period of use. Depending on the intended use, service life, relevance of the application and ambient conditions, the operator should adjust this interval accordingly.

Documentation

Each electronic load is supplied with a user manual as PDF file and printed General Safety Instructions, each in German and English.