Features of a Programmable Bidirectional AC Power Supply

In the era of global energy transformation, the demand for efficient, flexible, and precise power performance testing equipment is growing rapidly—especially in fields like new energy and electric vehicles. A programmable bidirectional AC power supply, as a core device for performance testing in these sectors, stands out for its unique ability to manage energy flow and adapt to diverse testing scenarios. Below, we break down its key features to help both industry professionals and ordinary users understand its value in performance testing.

Two-Way Energy Flow: Core Advantage for Performance Testing

The most distinctive feature of a programmable bidirectional AC power supply (for performance testing) is its ability to realize two-way energy flow. Unlike devices that only output energy, this equipment focuses on simulating real-world power conditions for testing, with two switchable modes:

• Power Simulation Mode: It acts as a controllable AC power scenario simulator, providing precise voltage and frequency outputs to test the performance of devices like new energy converters or electric vehicle components. For example, when testing a photovoltaic (PV) inverter’s grid-connection performance, it can simulate stable grid conditions or fluctuating voltage scenarios.
• Energy Recovery Mode: When the tested device generates excess energy (such as during the dynamic testing of an electric vehicle motor), the power supply converts this AC energy into usable electricity and feeds it back to the grid or stores it—instead of wasting it as heat through resistive loads. This mode ensures accurate testing results while reducing energy waste.

Notably, this two-way energy management logic aligns with related testing equipment like the programmable bidirectional dc power supply, making both essential for comprehensive, energy-efficient performance testing solutions.

High-Precision Programmable Output for Targeted Testing Needs

Precision is critical for reliable performance testing, and programmable bidirectional AC power supplies excel in this aspect by offering highly adjustable and accurate output parameters:

• Voltage and Frequency Accuracy: Top-tier models (such as Zhuhai Jiuyuan’s dedicated testing series) can achieve an output accuracy of ±0.1% V for voltage and ±0.001 Hz for frequency. This level of precision ensures that tests can accurately simulate real-world power conditions—whether it’s the standard voltage of a regional grid or the transient voltage changes during grid faults.
• Programmable Waveforms: Beyond standard sine waves, these power supplies can generate customized waveforms (e.g., voltage sag, surge, or harmonic waveforms) to test how devices perform under non-ideal power conditions. For instance, testing an electric vehicle charger’s ability to withstand sudden voltage drops.

This flexibility allows the device to meet the needs of various performance testing scenarios, from laboratory R&D to small-batch sample verification.

Focused Application in New Energy and Electric Vehicle Testing

As a dedicated performance testing device, this programmable bidirectional AC power supply is tailored to high-growth sectors with strict testing requirements, excluding industrial automation and precision instrument testing:

• New Energy R&D Testing: It is used to test PV inverters and energy storage converters (PCS). By simulating different grid characteristics (from normal operation to extreme fault conditions), it verifies whether these devices can maintain stable performance and meet safety standards.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Component Testing: It focuses on testing EV chargers, on-board power systems, and motor controllers. For example, simulating grid voltages of different regions (110V in the US, 220V in Europe) to verify the compatibility and stability of EV components during operation.
• Laboratory Verification: It serves as a reliable test tool for universities and research institutions, supporting experiments on power electronic component performance, energy management system testing, and new energy technology validation.

It is important to note that this device is not designed for industrial automation scenarios or testing UPS inverters, precision industrial instruments, or similar equipment.

Energy-Efficient Design: Reducing Costs in Long-Term Testing

In performance testing (which often requires long-duration operation), energy efficiency directly affects testing costs—and programmable bidirectional AC power supplies deliver on this front:

• High Energy Feedback Efficiency: Leading models adopt patented topological structures and common DC bus architectures. For example, Zhuhai Jiuyuan’s products achieve a peak comprehensive efficiency of up to 98.5% when recovering energy. This means almost all excess energy from tested devices is recycled, rather than being dissipated as heat through traditional resistive loads.
• Lower Operational Costs: By reducing energy waste, enterprises can cut electricity bills significantly. For a laboratory running daily performance tests (8+ hours/day), this efficiency can translate to substantial annual savings.
• Eco-Friendly: Less energy consumption also means lower carbon emissions, helping testing institutions meet environmental standards and sustainability goals.

Intelligent Control with Industry-Focused Communication Protocols

Modern performance testing requires seamless data transmission and remote control, and this device is designed with communication protocols that fit testing scenarios:

• Diversified Communication Options: It supports industry-appropriate protocols for testing, including:

• Daisy Chain: Enables cascading multiple testing devices to build a integrated testing system, ideal for multi-component collaborative testing (e.g., EV powertrain testing).
• RS485/RS232: Ensures stable long-distance data transmission (RS485 supports up to 1200 meters), suitable for connecting to remote monitoring systems in large testing labs.
• Modbus: A universal industrial communication standard that allows easy connection to upper computer software or testing platforms for unified data management.

• Intuitive Control Interfaces: It supports both local operation (via touchscreens or physical knobs) and remote control (via dedicated testing software). Users can set test parameters, monitor real-time data (voltage, current, power), and export test reports with just a few clicks.

Robust Safety Features for Reliable Testing

Safety is paramount in performance testing (especially for high-power devices), and these power supplies are equipped with multiple protection mechanisms:

• Comprehensive Fault Protection: It includes over-voltage, over-current, over-temperature, and short-circuit protection. If an abnormal condition occurs (e.g., a short circuit in the tested EV component), the power supply will shut down immediately to protect both the testing equipment and the tested device.
• Emergency Stop (E-Stop) Function: Physical E-Stop buttons are installed for quick shutdown in emergencies, ensuring operator safety during testing.
• Compliance with International Standards: It meets global safety standards (such as IEC and UL), ensuring it can be used safely in different countries and regions for standardized performance testing.

Why Choose Zhuhai Jiuyuan’s Programmable Bidirectional AC Power Supply for Testing?

Zhuhai Jiuyuan Power Electronics Technology Co., Ltd. specializes in R&D and manufacturing of high-end power performance testing equipment. Our programmable bidirectional AC power supply (for testing) integrates all the above features. Whether you need a standard model for new energy component testing or a customized solution for EV performance verification, we can provide efficient, reliable equipment to support your testing projects.