Test Facilities

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 include:

• 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

The testing also requires suitable electrical loads to assess the capabilities of the equipment. Key load capabilities include:

• 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 is also available

In assessing the performance of renewable energy equipment the control of environmental conditions is also important. Key environmental control equipment includes:

• 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

The assessment and evaluation of the equipment under test requires quality measurement equipment suitable for that specific task operated by competent staff. Key equipment includes:

• 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

Want to know more the about accuracy of our testing? - see our scope of accreditation.