The EL+ vHF/DC ePlus series from CINERGIA is a family of bidirectional, regenerative electronic loads designed specifically for avionics applications. It covers the frequency range from 360-900 Hz and precisely emulates the loads that occur in aircraft - from linear to highly non-linear loads.
Thanks to regenerative topology (energy flow in both directions), the devices significantly reduce energy requirements in the test field. Typical applications are:
- Testing of aircraft generators with variable frequency at constant cos φ
- Emulation of grid-connected devices (power consumption or feed-in)
- Programming of active/reactive power as well as impedance, current, voltage, power and resistance modes
- Generation of non-linear currents (harmonic distortion and harmonic profiles) up to the 50th harmonic
- Generation of non-linear currents (harmonic distortion and harmonic profiles) up to the 50th harmonic. Harmonics
- Fast transients & "current dips" for fault scenarios and mains interference
Focus on the EL15+ vHF/DC variant
The EL15+ vHF/DC is the most compact model in the series for laboratory and test benches with limited connected load. It offers 15 kW rated power with the following typical characteristic values:
- AC (EL-HF): 20 A RMS per phase in 3-channel operation or 60 A RMS in 1-channel operation
- DC: ±20 A (3-channel) or ±60 A (1-channel)
- Frequency range: 360-900 Hz (HF load operation)
- Backfeed capable: Energy feedback into the grid to increase efficiency
This makes the EL15+ ideal for development and qualification tests of smaller avionics generators, loads and power supplies when precise current/impedance profiles, fast load jumps and harmonic distortion are reproducibly required - while maintaining a low energy footprint.
Comparison with the other models
The series comprises five power levels. Compared to the larger variants, the EL15+ scales down in terms of current and power, but offers the same range of functions:
- EL15+ vHF/DC: 15 kW, AC 20/60 A (3ch/1ch), DC ±20/±60 A
- EL20+ vHF/DC: 20 kW, AC 26/78 A, DC ±25/±75 A
- EL30+ vHF/DC: 27 kW, AC 40/120 A, DC ±30/±90 A
- EL40+ vHF/DC: 40 kW, AC 52/156 A, DC ±40/±120 A
- EL50+ vHF/DC: 50 kW, AC 65/195 A, DC ±50/±150 A
What stays the same? Regardless of the power, all models have the 360-900 Hz HF range, bidirectional power recovery, identical software/operating modes (AC/DC/steps) and the modular master/slave concept for power expansion (parallel/series coupling depending on the mode). Larger models deliver higher currents/power and are therefore predestined for generator-related system tests or multi-channel setups with large reserves.
Product features of the series:
- High-frequency electronic load for avionics: 360-900 Hz
- Bidirectional & regenerative: Energy saving by feeding back into the grid
- Clean grid current: THDi < 3 % and power factor > 0.98 at rated power
- Power levels: 15-50 kW; units can be coupled via master/slave
- Operating modes AC/HF: current (CC), power (CP/CS) and impedance mode (CZ) incl. cos φ default
- DC operating modes: CV, CC, CP, CR; multichannel capability with separate setpoints/status
- Nonlinear emulation & harmonics: up to the 50th harmonic, incl. freely selectable additional harmonics
- Fast transients: typical rise times < 1-2.5 ms (mode-dependent)
- Steps/sequence mode: deterministic test sequences (resolution in the two-digit µs range) & data logging
- mains connection: 3×400 V AC +N+PE, 48-62 Hz
- HF voltage ranges (EL-HF): 35-277 Vrms ph-N resp. 35-480 Vrms ph-ph (HV option up to approx. 295/510 Vrms)
- DC range: up to 750 V (option High Voltage up to 800 V)
- Overload capacity (typ.): up to 200 % for short duration; AC/DC-specific profiles
- Protection & safety: emergency stop, interlock, overcurrent/overload/overvoltage, watchdog, etc.
- Interfaces: 4.3″ touch, digital/analog IO, LAN Modbus-TCP (optional RS485/CAN/RS232), LabVIEW driver
- Options: Low ripple inductance, insulation/anti-islanding monitor, battery test & emulation, PV panel emulation, HV option
- Mechanics (typ. Housing up to 50 kW): approx. 770×450×1100 mm, from ~155-200 kg depending on model
