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Modern alternative energy generation systems like PV/solar energy system and wind farm have been prevailing than before as the power source increasingly being relied on for its renewability and sustainability. New technical challenges that these often grid-tied energy generation systems have put forward are about how to keep their operation stable and safe from a sudden halt to avoid systematical shutdown, simply for the reason that the local AC power grid is never as stable as it is supposed to be. [1]
The terminology of a renewable energy system doing so is referred to the “Fault Ride Through Capability” [2] which will be explained in detail in this article presented by ActionPower as a manufacturer of power supplies and ATE system.
To fully understand why FRT capability matters, it should start with perceiving the role of DERs (Distributed Energy Resources) such as micro inverters in PV systems, wind turbines, small-scale gas turbines and increasingly, battery energy storage systems (BESS) or even electric vehicles themselves in scenarios of V2G.
In difference to centralized power plants that transmit electricity over long distances and has substantial system inertial [3] and inherently stable voltage and frequency support, DERs are predominantly interfaced to the grid joined by power electronics converters which lack natural inertial and fault-current contribution of synchronous generators and the result of which is that the grid is more susceptible to voltage fluctuations and frequency deviations during disturbances.
Fault-Induced Disconnection [4] is one of the critical issues that arises when DERs respond to grid fault or abnormal voltage events by disconnecting from the grid. In the worst-case scenario, DERs that fail to withstand voltage ride through (VRT) requirements may lead to large-scale simultaneous disconnection and a significant loss of generation capacity.
Supposing a PV system at 500MW power level and among which tens of grid-tied PV systems are present. When a transient condition of voltage sag happens and voltage drops by to 0.3 per unit for 200 milliseconds, these grid-tied PV systems may suddenly and collectively trip offline in response to the grid disturbance in case they are not equipped with LVRT (Low-Voltage Ride Through) capability.
This sudden disconnection of a whole 500MW PV system will further lead to an abrupt loss of power supply and substantially lead to severe voltage collages that destabilize the grid across a wider area.
It can be perceived with the explanations in previous chapters that Fault Ride Through (FRT) capability refers to the ability that a grid-tied power generation system can remain connected and operational during and after short grid disturbances such as voltage sag, voltage swells, or transient faults.
To explain in a alternative way, devices like inverter with fault ride through capability is able to keep operational status instead of disconnecting immediately when the grid experiences temporary instability and help support the grid’s recovery subsequently.
LVRT is a variant of FRT that a grid-connected device in energy generation system like photovoltaic inverter and wind turbine is supposed to remain operational and connected to the grid against the short and transient period of voltage dips or sags.
A step voltage dip is a sudden and sustained drop in voltage amplitude that occurs almost instantaneously, remains at a lower level for a defined duration, and then returns sharply to the nominal level. The below waveform simulates a sudden and symmetrical voltage sag across all three phases (A, B, and C):
An unbalanced voltage sag refers to a condition where only one or two phases of a three-phase power system experience a voltage drop, while the other phase(s) remain close to nominal.
A voltage sag with phase shift simulates both a reduction in voltage magnitude and an abrupt change in phase angle — conditions commonly found in real-world asymmetrical grid faults.
While LVRT deals with voltage sags where one or several phases of grid power drop, HVRT address the opposite condition where a voltage swell or upsurge happens for which the grid voltage rises above nominal levels.
Regardless of the difference in the voltage’s change direction, the ultimate goal technically is the same: to ensure that DERs (Distributed Energy Resources) like solar inverters, wind turbines, and BESS can ride through voltage disturbances without disconnecting, thereby supporting grid stability.
The ATE power supply’s ability to simulate abnormal and transient grid conditions relies on a seamless integration of advanced hardware design and programmable software control.
The hardware forms the physical foundation of the AC power supply that allows precise generation of various voltage magnitudes, frequencies, and waveform characteristics. Meanwhile, the programmable software transforms the system into an automated test platform capable of repeatably emulating diverse fault conditions for grid compliance and ride-through validation.
Enables real-time waveform synthesis and control.
Supports abrupt transitions (e.g., drop to 0.3 pu in <1 ms).
High switching frequency for smooth waveform shaping.
Real-time voltage control loop ensures accurate voltage delivery under load.
Ensures precise control over output voltage and current.
High bandwidth allows fast step-response with minimal overshoot.
Engineers can define custom test profiles like step sag, ramp sag, or composite disturbances using internal or PC-based waveform editors.
Built-in support or scriptable templates for: IEC 61000-4-11 / -34, IEEE 1547 / UL 1741 SA, GB/T 19964 (China LVRT spec), EN 50530 (Europe PV inverter)
External trigger input/output for synchronizing test sequences.
SCPI, Modbus, CAN, or LAN interfaces for remote automation and ATE integration.
ActionPower offers programmable AC power supplies and grid simulators designed to help engineers accurately emulating grid anomalies including voltage sags, swells, unbalanced faults, and phase shifts which are conditions hardly ever be replicated manually in real world yet critical for testing LVRT and HVRT performance. With fast response time, precise waveform control, and compliance with international standards, our solutions support the reliable validation of FRT capabilities for PV inverters, energy storage systems, and other DERs in both R&D and certification environments.
CORTEX AC Programmable Power Supply is available for AC-source side testing providing flexible user-defined waveform generation and sequence automation options, built on rack-mount modular chasis and ideal for bench-top and laboratory testing applications.
TITAN Series High-Power Regenerative Grid Simulator applies for utility-scale grid-adaptability testing applications where the power flow is featured at the megawatt level and requires ultimate responsiveness and dynamics for shifting status reproduction.
From ActionPower we are open to listening to your suggestions and opinions.
For further media contact or consultation about any topics which might be of your interst about our company, you will be welcomed to send us an email to:
info@actionpowertest.com
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Zhiwei Bao's interdisciplinary background crossing industrial automation, mechanical engineering and product marketing paves the foundation to extending his profound understanding to power electronics for developing in-depth analysis and technical content for ActionPower. He converts complex testing applications and market trends into actionable technical insights.
About Zhiwei Bao
Actionpower awarded TDK North China the Strategic Partner Award in recognition of their outstanding support in product optimization, reliable delivery, and high-quality components—crucial during Actionpower’s milestone year of going public.
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