Summary
- VDE used Yokogawa’s WT3000E power meter for calibrating metering products for the EV charging market
- The power meter must have an accuracy of at least ±0.04% according to German laws
- The WT3000E power meter provides high accuracy, combined with a programmable power supply for precise measurements
- Yokogawa’s successor product, the WT5000 Precision Power Analyzer, offers increased accuracy and high-speed operation
- The test system has been accredited by Germany’s Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt and is now used by companies manufacturing energy meters for EV charging stations
Article
German standardization, testing, and certification organization VDE have collaborated with Yokogawa Test & Measurement to create a measurement setup for manufacturers to calibrate metering products for the EV charging market. The project aimed to adhere to the EU Measuring Instruments Directive and Germany’s Measurement and Calibration Act, which require meter readings to be accurate to at least 3% and no higher than the actual energy supplied. The Yokogawa WT3000E power meter was chosen due to its accuracy of ±0.04%, exceeding the required specification by almost an order of magnitude, making it an ideal choice for precise calibration.
In order to meet the strict calibration requirements set by the law, the WT3000E power meter was combined with a programmable power supply controlled by Yokogawa’s FG420 function generator. This setup enabled accurate measurement of voltage, current, and total energy with a short interval between stored samples of 50 ms. Additionally, convenient interfacing with precision current sensors supplied by LEM/SIGNALTEC further enhanced the precision and reliability of the measurement system. The Yokogawa WT3000E power meter provided a level of accuracy that exceeded the minimum requirements specified by the legislation, ensuring reliable calibration for metering products in the EV charging market.
Yokogawa also offers the WT3000E’s successor product, the WT5000 Precision Power Analyzer, designed to provide even higher levels of precision and performance for demanding applications. With an increased accuracy of ±0.03%, high-speed operation up to 10 MS/s (18 bit), and a power measurement bandwidth of 5 MHz, the WT5000 offers advanced capabilities for precise power measurement. This new design is ideal for manufacturers looking for cutting-edge technology to ensure accurate calibration and measurement of metering products for EV charging stations.
The test system developed by VDE using the WT3000E power meter has been accredited by Germany’s national Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt (Federal Physical Technical Institute) and is now being utilized by companies manufacturing energy meters for public EV charging stations. VDE engineer Sven Grünberg praised the precision and reliability of the Yokogawa WT3000E, stating that it has been used in their calibration departments for years and is well-suited for the charging station test bench. The collaboration between VDE and Yokogawa highlights the importance of accurate calibration in the EV charging market and the role of advanced measurement technology in meeting regulatory requirements and ensuring the reliability of metering products.
Overall, the partnership between VDE and Yokogawa Test & Measurement has resulted in the development of a high-precision measurement system for calibrating metering products in the EV charging market. By utilizing the Yokogawa WT3000E power meter, manufacturers can ensure accurate calibration that exceeds the strict requirements of the EU Measuring Instruments Directive and Germany’s Measurement and Calibration Act. The successor product, the WT5000 Precision Power Analyzer, offers even greater precision and performance for demanding applications, providing manufacturers with advanced technology for precise power measurement. The accreditation of the test system by Germany’s Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt highlights the reliability and accuracy of the Yokogawa power meters and their importance in ensuring the quality and reliability of energy meters for public EV charging stations.
Read the full article here
