Chroma’s battery simulators save time by testing EV components with no battery required

EV designers and component suppliers need to test a wide range of devices to see how they function in a vehicle. However, testing devices with an actual battery can be both cost- and time-prohibitive. Now Chroma Systems Solutions, a provider of automated test equipment, has released battery simulation software that can validate device functions during testing without the need for an actual battery.

Above: Chroma battery test equipment. Photo: Chroma Systems Solutions

Chroma offers a wide range of EV and battery testing solutions. Its new battery simulator is designed for testing battery-connected devices. When integrated with any Chroma regenerative battery cycler or bidirectional DC power supply, the software simulates the battery state, eliminating the wait time for the charge/discharge of an actual battery. 

The A170202 Battery Simulation Software is designed to seamlessly integrate with any of the company’s regenerative battery cyclers or bidirectional DC power supplies.  Real-time test results include voltage, current, power, SOC percentage, charge/discharge state and capacity. When battery charge/discharge testing is needed, users can switch from battery simulation to battery cycling.

The operation of the cycler and A170202 simulator allows the values of internal resistance, energy capacity, and output voltage to be changed in real time.  Users can also take advantage of regenerative functions that enable the energy discharged to be recycled, reducing the cost of treating waste heat.  Also included are safety features such as real-time monitoring and automatic protection.

“For testing battery-connected devices like electric vehicles, on-board chargers, DC-DC converters and motor drivers, high-power battery emulation is a great solution to confirm if the device under test is performing as intended.  For example, most DC fast charging devices on the market have a power range of up to 50-350 kW.  Because of that high output voltage and power, it’s easier, faster and safer to replace the actual battery pack with a scalable solution like our battery simulation software and new regenerative 17040E battery cycler,” said Luis Veliz, Director of Automated Systems for Chroma.

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This article originally appeared in Charged. Author: Charles Morris. Source: Chroma Systems Solutions