Any tools to measure 1.6KV 20KW DC gen???

[RHeTTRoNiCS]

I want to check our dc gen output (1.6KV 20KW as per specs). I have dmm with high voltage probe but can handle only max 20uA , though voltage upto 15KV. Any advice on how to measure this ??? Thanks...

 

[FvM]

Not a very clear question. Do you have a load connected to the generator? If the load resistance is known, it would be sufficient to measure either voltage or current. If the current can be measured on the low side, a regular ampmeter can be used.

 

[RHeTTRoNiCS]

Sorry for being not clear....Let say it has no load...so, it is expected to measure the max output, right? Any recommended safe tools? thanks.

 

[FvM]

I guess, you'll need to choose suitable high power resistors as a load.

 

[RHeTTRoNiCS]

So, w/o load it is not advisable? What do you think will happen if i do measure w/o load? Coz it so hard to find a 20KW load :-(

 

[FvM]

You can buy resistors with kW continuous rating and x kV voltage strength from catalog distributors. You'll want to series connect a number of it.

You can also get custom built resistor cabinets, also switchable or variable if required. That's a usual way to test power electronic equipment.

 

[betwixt]

Normally, the voltage would be specified under load so without one you would see a slightly higher voltage. If you need a 20KW load, the trick I have used in the past is to wire up lots of domestic heating elements in series/parallel arrangement to make up the voltage and power you need. Use the elements power rating rather than measure it's resistance because element power is the rating when hot and a cold resistance will be lower than Ohms law would suggest.

For example, if you have 220V 1KW elements, wire 3 strings of 8 elements in parallel to make a 1.76KV 24KW load and work from there. The slightly higher voltage requirement will result in a slightly lower powered load. You may need to add or remove elements to get an exact load if necessary. It will get VERY VERY-VERY hot - take great care.

Brian.

 

[RHeTTRoNiCS]

Hello FvM and betwixt...thanks to both of you so much for sharing ideas....today i have plan to power-up this unit and measure the ouput using high voltage probe with dmm....because right now i can't find a load...i'll update you later the result...thanks again.

 

[RHeTTRoNiCS]

Can't get output using dmm with high voltage probe....checking the specs of hv probe is max 15KV but max current is on 20uA. By computing the power is about 0.3W only...Think this is not suitable to measure, the reason can't get any output :-(.

 

[betwixt]

You can't measure power with a HV probe anyway. I suspect your probe is simply a high value resistor and to get the correct reading it has to form a potential divider with the input resistance of the meter. Check if this is the case, it should say something on it about the type of meter it can be used with.

Brian.

 

[FvM]

If you connected the probe correctly, you should be able to measure the unloaded output voltage of the generator. This gives some information about it's correct operation. To check for 20kW output power, suitable load resistors are required.

 

[RHeTTRoNiCS]

And to give better picture ...pls see attached file...View attachment RF Gen AE Pinnacle_.doc

 

[FvM]

I'm not sure what you want to ask. The general requirements for a load test of the HV supply have been already explained. You also need to check the instrument specifications, I presume there's a manual.

I see that AE Pinnacle is apparently a product family of application specific DC power supplies, but some are e.g. pulsed supplies which would change a lot for suitable test procedures.

I imagine that the manufacturer has also performance test specifications, may be in the general manual. In any case it would be helpful to know the exact instrument type.

Finally a word of warning. HV power supply is a dangerous thing and shouldn't be operated without profound technical knowledge and necessary safety precautions. I'm not sure if the requirements can be met.

 

[RHeTTRoNiCS]

Guys...just to update....ive done powering-up but upto 400V only 24A, 9W with 15ohms dummy load. I can't give more voltage because of limitation of my dummy load....Before we close this topic....is there any1 frm u guys can recommend me where to buy a dummy load of 15ohms with capacity of 20KW above? Thanks a lot.