The Four-Quadrant Dynamometer/Power Supply is a highly versatile USB peripheral designed to be used in the Electric Power Technology Training Systems. Two operating modes are available: Dynamometer and Power Supply. A wide variety of user-selectable functions is available in each operating mode.

In the Dynamometer mode, the unit becomes a four-quadrant dynamometer that can act as either a fully configurable brake (i.e., a mechanical load) or a fully configurable prime mover (i.e., a motor drive). In the Power Supply mode, the unit becomes a four-quadrant power supply that can act as a dc voltage source, dc current source, ac power source, etc.

In each operating mode, key parameters related to the selected function are displayed. Speed, torque, mechanical power, and energy are displayed in the Dynamometer mode while voltage, current, electrical power, and energy are displayed in the Power Supply mode. Optional functions, such as a small wind-turbine emulator, an hydraulic turbine emulator, a solar panel emulator, battery chargers, an SDK (Software Development Kit) etc., can be added to the standard functions to further enhance the training possibilities of the Four-Quadrant Dynamometer/Power Supply.

Two modes are available to control the function which the Four-Quadrant Dynamometer/Power Supply performs: Manual and Computer-Based.

In the Manual control mode, the module operates as a stand-alone unit, and the function performed is selected, set, and monitored using front-panel mounted controls and display. This mode provides access to all basic functions. In the Computer-Based control mode, the function performed by the module is selected, set, and monitored using the LVDAC-EMS software. In this mode, communication between the Four-Quadrant Dynamometer/Power Supply and the host computer running the LVDAC-EMS software is achieved through a USB connection. This mode provides access to all basic functions, as well as to additional advanced functions.

Model 8960-A includes the Four-Quadrant Dynamometer/Power Supply, Model 8960-3, with the following function sets activated:

• Standard Functions (Manual Control), Model 8968-1

• Standard Functions (Computer-Based Control), Model 8968-2

• Turbine Emulator, Model 8968-3

• Lead-Acid Battery Charger, Model 8968-4

• Ni-MH Battery Chargers, Model 8968-5

• Solar Panel Emulator, Model 8968-6

• 8960 Software Development Kit, Model 8968-7