EPOS, Power Source Test System

Reliable power source test system

AC/DC sources for powering and testing motors and release coils of switchgear devices as well as electronic three-phase signal generators for generating any waveform. The universal current and voltage sources of the EPOS series come into their own whenever maximum power and high signal accuracy are required, making them the perfect choice when testing, setting and calibrating electricity meters, protection relays, fault recorders, power meters or power quality analysers.

Product Overview

EPOS 340

System concept

EPOS 340 features four voltage signal sources and three current signal sources. The signal characteristics are computed by a high-performance signal processor and output via high-accuracy D/A converters and electronic power amplifiers. The amplitude, phase and frequency can be varied widely during output

Signal sources

• 4 independent voltage channels up to 300 V
• 3 independent current channels up to 16 A
• Synthetic signal generation
• Wide frequency range
• Freely selectable signal shapes
• Play-back of transient signal characteristics
• Generation of any flicker signal
• High accuracy
• Very low THD
• Separate auxiliary power supply

Output of COMTRADE records & generation of any signal characteristic

The TRANSIG-monitor included in the scope of delivery can be used for the full graphical display and output of recorded signal characteristics which are available in standard COMTRADE format. During tests these signal characteristics are then “played back“ as transient signal waveforms by EPOS.

The TRANSIG-monitor also includes a signal editor which can be used to configure and calculate any signal characteristic. The signal characteristics can be generated from a basic function, such as a sine wave, with one or more superimposed functions, such as a direct component, exponential functions, harmonics, etc.

Programming interface

EPOS 340 also features a simple programming interface for special requirements, e.g. for use with test stands. This programming interface can be used in environments which support COM/ActiveX or in .NET environments.

The new TJCP Operator Interface

A new operating concept and extra powerful hardware make the EPOS 340 speedier than ever before. The system responds directly to user actions and can switch swiftly from one menu to another, all processes run smoothly.

The clear, restructured user interface guides the user quickly and intuitively to complete the task in hand. The individual screens are self-explanatory and uncluttered.

• High-resolution, resistive 3.5“ touch screen
• Ergonomic jog wheel for fast, easy setting
• An illuminated ring and acoustic signals  indicate system status during settings and output
• USB and Ethernet interface for direct connection to PCs and networks
• Smart touch technology for easy operation
• User actions, such as amplitude, phase angle  or frequency adjustments, are processed in
  real time and executed without delay
• Settings can be selected from templates

Circuit breaker analysis

EPOS MC3 also provides a number of further functions for circuit breaker analysis:

1. Analysis of motor and coil operation
2. Determination of the coil resistance
3. Determination of the minimum operating voltage
4. Tests for undervoltage releases

It is easy to analyse the results which can give a good indication of the state of coils, motors and mechanical parts or point to faults between windings.

New, powerful voltage source

The newly developed voltage source uses state-of-the-art power electronics. Thanks to the synthetic generation of output quantities, the source is unaffected by disturbances in the power supply.  This means that tests can always be carried out under identical conditions, allowing direct comparison of the results.

• Variable test voltages with high voltage stability up to 270 VAC / 300 VDC
• Maximum currents up to 40 amperes
• Two outputs for opening/closing coils, one output for the motor
• Outputs are independently configurable with regard to voltage and frequency
• Short-circuit proof and overload-protected

Unlimited output duration without cooling phases

The electronically regulated source of the EPOS MC3 is practically loss-less and generates very little heat, even at maximum output power. This means that high currents and voltages can be output for almost unlimited periods of time without cooling phases, resulting in significant savings in time and money in comparison with conventional systems.

Simple and intuitive operation

EPOS MC3 features an integrated control panel with a 3½“ touch screen and 7 function keys for operating and controlling the device:

• All settings are clearly displayed
• Test parameters can be edited directly
• Display of output values
• Additional display of operational status via LEDs

A remote control unit is available as an optional extra for controlling the motor and coil outputs.

System versatility

The built-in control panel, light weight and low noise level make this robust test system equally suitable for use on site, on the shop floor, or in the lab. All the connections are located on the front panel so the test system can also be operated in an upright position.

Saving and evaluating test results

The test results are saved in the internal memory with a time and date stamp.

The data saved in the device can be downloaded and managed with the aid of a PC or laptop and the user-friendly EPOS MC3 software.

The measurement results can be presented in a report or exported to an Excel spreadsheet. It is also possible to save the test data in the software, ensuring that it can be made available for comparison when future maintenance and servicing is required.

Single and three-phase voltage sources

Automatically regulated AC/DC voltage sources for single or three-phase voltages, with high power and fast settling time.

• For powering resistive, inductive or capacitive loads
• For testing components, motors and devices
• Wide power range and precise control response
• Reliable operation thanks to high-performance components
• Infinitely adjustable output voltage under load
• Integrated control panel for stand-alone operation
• Provides high starting currents and operating currents
• Short-circuit proof and protected against overload conditions
• High operational reliability and availability
• Ethernet interface for external control in test stands and for connection with ACTAS C switchgear test systems

Automatically regulated voltage sources are used in many different test environments to supply power to components, motors and devices. The sources can be used to reproduce system conditions allowing the components to be tested to their limits under realistic conditions.
EPOS CV voltage sources are designed to output single or three-phase AC/DC voltages especially for high power values. The voltage sources provide excellent quality and sophisticated, practical functions and are ideal for use in laboratory or manufacturing environments.

Infinitely adjustable under load

Thanks to the use of motor-operated variable toroidal transformers, the output voltage of the EPOS CV voltage sources is infinitely variable, even under load.

Fast settling times and precise control response

EPOS CV voltage sources feature very fast settling times and a very precise control response. The configured voltage is always kept constant when there are fluctuations in the power input voltage or in the load.

Provides high starting currents and rated currents

EPOS CV voltage sources provide both high output voltage and high output current. Especially when operating motors, high starting currents, which can be several times as high as the operating currents, are required when the full operating voltage is applied. The voltage sources are able to deliver these current peaks.

Reliable operation thanks to high-performance components

In order to withstand high stresses over long time periods, EPOS CV voltage sources are designed to be sturdy and safe. A powerful motor drive is responsible for fast, precise regulation and generously dimensioned switching elements ensure that output can be switched on and off safely.

High operational reliability and availability

Extremely effective and reliable short-circuit and overload protection are key to the high operational reliability of the EPOS sources. Feedback measurements of current and voltage as well as temperature measurements and their real-time evaluation ensure that the EPOS sources are always reliably protected even under extreme stresses.

Integrated control panel for stand-alone operation

EPOS CV sources feature an integrated control panel with a 3.5“ screen, jog wheel, function keys and status displays for operating and controlling the device. Settings are displayed clearly on the screen, parameters can be edited directly. The output values are shown on the screen, while status LEDs and an illuminated ring integrated in the jog wheel indicate operating status. The output parameters can include a limit value and a step value as required.

Ethernet interface for external control

An Ethernet interface is provided for operating the sources in test stands and for connection with ACTAS C switchgear test systems. The interface ensures reliable, disturbance-free communication allowing customers to use the sources for their own applications.

Use in circuit breaker testing

Using the ACTAS testing software, EPOS CV can easily be integrated in circuit breaker tests. This makes it simple to automate tests and carry out a comprehensive analysis of the test results.

Retrofit for ACTAS C systems

Only a few adjustments are required in order to upgrade an existing ACTAS C system by replacing the original sources with EPOS CV 821. As well as providing much faster settling times and improved operational reliability, retrofits also include an update to the latest version of the testing software.