Application
CSU-COMPISO System Unit: A PHIL platform for testing SST-based next generation power distribution systems
As AI expansion surges globally, data center power distribution systems are entering a new era of extreme power density and rapidly fluctuating load profiles. A recent study done by Microsoft, OpenAI and NVIDIA shows that large periodic power swings during AI model training could cause instabilities and even physical damage to the power grid infrastructure, as traditional AC power infrastructure can no longer meet the responsiveness demanded by modern AI clusters.
This shift in power distribution systems requirements calls for adoption of new power distribution architectures such as Solid State Power Substations (SSPS), and new technologies such as Solid State Transformers (SSTs), that are meant to help overcome some of the challenges the electric infrastructure is already facing. Moving to 800 V DC power distribution systems with rack-level battery storage integration is seen as a potential solution to help mitigate the power swings and avoid unplanned outages or equipment degradation.
How can EGSTON Power help accelerate this transition?
With more than 20 MW of PHIL emulation and test systems commissioned over the last ten years, our amplifiers already have a proven track record in testing novel power converter technologies. What sets our systems apart is their unparalleled versatility and scalability.
A most recent addition to our COMPISO family amplifiers is CSU800 – a configurable high-performance bidirectional 750kVA unit capable of operating in multiple AC and DC operation modes and scalable up to 3 MW AC and up to 6 MW DC. With the addition of external step-up transformers, this unit is perfectly suited for SST and SSPS converter testing at AC voltages up to 34.5 kV (+10%) RMS LL, meeting the voltage requirements for SSPS 1.0 power converters outlined in DoE’s Solid State Power Substation Technology Roadmap. That makes it the only high-performance PHIL system on the market to meet this requirement.
An additional benefit from using CSU800 based PHIL system is its internal energy circulation capability. It can significantly reduce power demand and energy costs during long-term high-power tests, as only the system power losses need to be covered from the supply grid. This is especially important for test facilities with limited grid infrastructure, because it can significantly reduce or even completely eliminate investments in new grid infrastructure. An example of a 2.4 MW CSU800 -based test system with internal energy circulation capability is illustrated in the figure below.
The key capabilities of the presented system are:
- Bidirectional power flow with internal energy circulation up to 2.4 MW power
- Up to 820 V on the DC side
- Up to 34.5 kV (+10%) RMS LL on the AC side, using external step-up transformers
- Independent active and reactive power flow in each phase
- Seamless integration with all major Real-time simulator platforms
- Accurate emulation of grid disturbances, including voltage dips, frequency deviations, and phase imbalances
The system enables:
- High-power‑ SST and SSPS converter testing with minimal grid load
- Major savings on energy and operational costs over time
- Fault condition and long term device stress testing, unsymmetrical operation with high dynamic load profiles
Example use cases:
- SST development and validation. EGSTON Power has an established track record when it comes to MV PHIL test systems. We have already successfully commissioned PHIL systems with 4.16 kV, 13.8 kV, 20 kV output transformers, both in the USA and Europe.
- SSPS converter development and validation
- DC-connected battery storage systems development and validation
- Grid emulation under dynamic operating conditions and fault scenarios
- High-power converter testing
We are here to help you accelerate the transition toward next generation power distribution systems. We welcome collaboration with novel power distribution system developers, data center operators, research institutions, and R&D test facilities.
Let’s build the future of power distribution systems together.
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