Inside VentureLAB’s Hardware Catalyst Lab: A Look at Part 3

ventureLAB’s Hardware Catalyst Lab is an essential resource for startups and researchers focused on hardware innovation, particularly in the realm of power electronics and energy distribution. One of the standout tools available in this lab is the ITECH IT7900-350-180 Regenerative Power Grid Simulator, which serves as a programmable power source and sink capable of simulating a wide range of grid-related scenarios.

The ITECH simulator is a next-generation 4-Quadrant grid simulator that offers remarkable capabilities for testing various grid-tied devices such as Power Conversion Systems (PCS), Energy Storage Systems, microgrids, and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technologies. With a power density of 15 kVA and support for voltage configurations up to 350V L-N (extendable to 700V L-N), it facilitates rigorous research and development necessary for ensuring grid resilience.

Notably, companies like Cence Power leverage the simulator’s capabilities to enhance their power supply designs, particularly in centralized DC power distribution for LED lighting and telecom sectors. By testing their systems against varying grid conditions, Cence Power is able to optimize metrics such as Total Harmonic Distortion and Power Factor, thereby increasing system efficiency and robustness. According to Charles Maxwell of Cence Power, “The ability to simulate grid issues and immediately observe their effects on critical metrics was invaluable for system validation.”

Similarly, BH Frontier Solutions Inc. employs the ITECH simulator to support the development of AI-powered agricultural robots that utilize non-invasive weeding methods. The grid simulator allows them to ensure their electrical systems function reliably under diverse conditions, validating the stability and efficiency of their technology for deployment in real-world farming environments. Fattah Hanafi from BH Frontier Solutions emphasizes that the “precision and versatility” of the IT7900P were crucial for preparing their application for market.

The ITECH IT7900-350-180 features several key specifications, including:

- High power density options of up to 6 kVA in a 2U enclosure and 15 kVA in a 3U enclosure.
- A wide voltage range, supporting up to 350V L-N with capability for extension to 700V L-N.
- Scalability through master-slave parallel configurations to reach up to 960 kVA.
- Energy efficiency due to regenerative capabilities that return energy to the grid.
- Multiple operational modes for comprehensive testing, including single-phase, three-phase, reversed-phase, and multi-channel support.
- Advanced waveform functionalities, harmonic simulation, and programmable phase controls.

ventureLAB, situated in Ontario’s innovation corridor, is a leading global network for hardware technology and enterprise software companies. The organization supports over 6,800 jobs and has raised more than $420 million in investment capital, empowering hardtech founders to develop globally competitive ventures that contribute to Canada’s knowledge-based economy.

The Hardware Catalyst Initiative, which is part of ventureLAB, stands out as Canada’s exclusive lab and incubator for hardware and semiconductor-focused startups. It enables innovations that will power future technologies, spanning healthcare, telecommunications, smart energy, and connected transportation. Supported by government funding, the initiative accelerates the time to market for tech companies seeking to grow locally and compete internationally in a sector that typically faces lengthy entry and scaling processes.