Overview
IEC TS 63106-1:2020 - "Simulators used for testing of photovoltaic power conversion equipment – Recommendations – Part 1: AC power simulators" provides recommendations and a framework for Low Voltage (LV) AC power simulators used to test utility-interactive photovoltaic (PV) power conversion equipment (PCE). The Technical Specification establishes terminology and guidance on the electrical performance of AC power simulators that emulate the utility grid for compliance testing of inverters and other PV PCEs. (Note: LV is defined in the document as 1 000 V a.c. and less.)
Key topics and technical requirements
This part of IEC 63106 covers practical and technical aspects needed to develop or select AC power simulators for PV testing, including:
- Terminology and framework for AC simulator performance and interfaces.
- PCE classification by AC voltage levels and grid interconnection characteristics.
- Recommended test setups and examples for utility interaction tests, including ports, line impedance and load arrangements.
- General recommendations for AC power simulators, such as:
- AC main connections, output transformer considerations, number of phases and voltage ranges.
- Frequency ranges, voltage and frequency stability and accuracy requirements.
- Limits on AC output voltage harmonic distortion (informed by IEC 61000-4-7).
- Signal interfaces for hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and durability against impulse voltages.
- Performance characteristics and test capabilities needed to support:
- Grid protection tests (OV/UV, OF/UF, anti-islanding, ROCOF, open-phase).
- Power capability and ramp-rate tests (P, Q, S, PF behaviors).
- Power quality tests (current harmonics, inter-harmonics, THDi, flicker, inrush, imbalance).
- Grid support and ride-through tests (UV/OV, UF/OF, ROCOF, phase-jump).
- External command response and setpoint accuracy/response-time tests.
Applications
IEC TS 63106-1 is a practical guideline for:
- Designing and specifying AC power simulators used in PV test benches.
- Setting up laboratory test systems for inverter certification and conformance testing.
- Conducting compliance tests related to grid interconnection, protection, ride-through and power quality.
- Implementing hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) setups to validate controller behaviors under realistic grid conditions.
Who uses this standard
- PV inverter and PCE manufacturers (product validation and pre-certification).
- Third‑party test laboratories and certification bodies.
- Utility and grid operators defining test and commissioning requirements.
- Test-system integrators and simulator manufacturers.
- Research institutions conducting laboratory evaluations of distributed generation.
Related standards
IEC TS 63106-1 is intended to be used alongside regional and international requirements such as EN 50549-1/2, UL 1741 (supplements), IEEE 1547 series, and complementary IEC documents like IEC 61000-4-7 and IEC TS 62910. These related standards define detailed test procedures and grid codes that the AC simulator should support.