Yokogawa has unveiled the WT5000, the first of a new generation of Precision Power Analyzers that are able to offer measurement accuracy of ± 0.03%. Combined with improved levels of stability, noise immunity and the use of plug-in modules to provide greater flexibility, it’s intended for developers of energy-efficient systems.
Changing application needs and evolving international standards means that there is a growing need for custom measurements and consistent accuracy, and the WT5000 has been designed to provide engineers with a more versatile platform that can be easily upgraded to meet changing requirements.
The WT5000 accuracy of ±0.03% means that it is now possible to evaluate the power consumption, loss, and efficiency of electrical and electronic devices. In particular, its wide dynamic current range should make it indispensable for tests on energy-saving designs.
One of the essential elements for determining the performance of a power measuring instrument is the A/D converter that performs analogue-to-digital conversion. The WT5000 uses an 18-bit converter with a sampling frequency of maximum 10 MS/s. As a result, it becomes possible to accurately capture waveforms from the latest high-speed inverter devices.
The WT5000 has the same dimensions as existing models but also incorporates up to seven input channels, allowing it to support applications that previously could only have been measured by synchronising several separate instruments. Plug-in modular input elements can be swapped directly by the user.
With a 7 elements input capability, multi-system measurement is possible. For example, the WT5000 can carry out two harmonic measurement functions simultaneously, each at up the 500th order and up to 300kHz fundamental waveform. This makes it possible to measure the carrier frequency component from the rotational speed of the motor in the inverter drive and also to check the influence of the carrier frequency on the motor drive.
An increasing number of applications require the evaluation of larger-current devices, typical examples being electric vehicles and large-scale solar installations. In these cases, external current sensors are often used. An external current sensor input function is fitted as standard in the input element of both the 30 A and 5 A input elements of the WT5000.
For much higher currents (up to 2000 A RMS) dedicated high-current sensors are available.
