ResLab is the RISE test centre. In May 2005 ResLab was the first laboratory in Australia to achieve accreditation for performance testing of inverters from the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA). This accreditation formally recognises the competency of a test facility and enables customers to identify and select reliable testing, inspection, measurement and calibration services. NATA accredited laboratories are reassessed periodically to ensure that they continue to maintain their standard of operation. NATA accreditation is highly regarded, both nationally and internationally, as a reliable indicator of technical competence. Currently ResLab's scope of accreditation is for inverters.

RISE provides independent testing for the renewable energy industry and specialises in testing inverters, stand alone power systems and balance of system (BOS) components, solar home systems and battery charge controllers for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. RISE can also consider other testing services on the basis of industry demand and the Laboratory’s capability to meet the necessary test requirements. ResLab is listed as an approved testing laboratory on the Clean Energy Council's "Installing Renewables" webpage.

Testing Services

RISE is able to provide a broad range of testing services. RISE's test facilities are available for public use and can be hired on a fee for service basis. Key testing areas include:

• Complete system testing and design evaluation
• Stand-alone inverter performance testing (Sample report)
• Functionality and performance testing for PV battery charge controllers (Sample report)
• Grid connected inverters for compliance to AS 4777 (Clean Energy Council's approved inverters)
• Efficiency of grid connected inverters and standby power measurement for power supplies
• Battery testing

• Evaluation of electrical and power electronic devices and equipment
• Evaluation of equipment at non ambient temperature conditions
• Equipment developers and designers can access the laboratory facilities for their own testing. RISE can provide assistance with setup and metering. Clients can be present and supervise testing to their requirements

• Performance testing of grid connected inverters (AS 4777)
• Performance testing of stand-alone inverters
• Performance testing of battery charge controllers

RISE has tested several battery charge controllers of different technologies from various Australian and international manufacturers over the past 18 months. Click here for the results for power efficiency and self consumption from some of these tests.

Facilities & Technical Capabilities

ResLab is equipped with leading edge testing equipment to cater for the testing needs of renewable energy systems and balance of system components. The testing of renewable energy systems requires the availability of power sources suitable for powering the equipment under various test conditions. ResLab has a range of equipment suitable for such testing.

Key power supply capabilities:

• Maximum DC power available 60kW (88A, 800Vdc)
• Maximum current capability - 300A (60V), 100A(180V)
• Solar array simulation - 25kW, 40A, 750V
• Small solar array simulation - 480W, 8A, 60V (two units which can be connected in parallel or series)
• Two large battery banks configurable from 12V to 240V with approximately 150kWh of energy storage
• Diesel generator 26kVA three phase with variable frequency control
• Programmable AC source - 0 -300V, 1750VA, programmable harmonics

Key load capabilities:

• Total load capability up to 100kW resistive plus other inductive and capacitive loads
• Programmable three phase AC load bank - 0W to 28kW and 0W to 28kVAr
• Programmable single phase AC load banks - 0W to 5kW and 0W to 5kVAr
• Programmable DC load - 1kW
• A range of resistive loads suitable for lower voltage ranges are also available

Key environmental control equipment:

• Large environmental chamber - total area 30m3, temperature range -5° C to 60°C
• Small environmental chamber - temperature range -10° C to 70°C
• Temperature baths for battery testing

Key monitoring and evaluation equipment:

• Three phase power analysers
• High speed data acquisition systems
• Precision digital multimeters
• Datalogging equipment
• Computerised controls systems
• Specialised testing rigs with integrated measurement
• Precision shunt and current transformers
• Temperature transducers

Requesting Test Services

RISE is able to help you with the testing of your renewable energy system, components or other related products. The range of testing services listed does not limit what the laboratory can test. RISE staff are always willing to assist in meeting your testing needs.

If you require a quote for test services or require information about testing schedules contact Dr Mehul Patel - Acting Manager - Testing Laboratory

All RISE commercial contracts are managed through Murdoch Link, which is a fully owned subsidiary of Murdoch University.

(RRPGP) Industry Development

The Renewable Remote Power Generation Programme (RRPGP) is managed by the Australian Government's Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. This funding is administered in Western Australia by the Sustainable Energy Development Office. The Australian Government provides funding to RISE to support support ResLab's testing and standards development