A remotely operated power quality test platform based on a 120 kVA fully programmable three-phase source

This paper describes the development of an invaluable power quality tool through the application of a 120 kVA three-phase programmable AC power source with an integrated arbitrary waveform generator. Implementation details are presented including experimental results that demonstrate the flexibility of the source/arbitrary waveform generator to simulate common power quality disturbances such as voltage sags, swells, outages, harmonics, unbalance, and capacitor switching transients. Example test bed environments are developed and discussed allowing for the comprehensive power quality testing of loads such as adjustable speed drive systems, line-operated motors, and power supplies. Remote programming and control of the arbitrary waveform generator, including the development of an instrument driver library database, through LabVIEW is also discussed.