Mr. A eventually found Kikusui Electronics Corp., a Japanese manufacturer specializing and pioneering in the field of power supply and measurement. Kikusui products were being introduced to testing by major auto manufacturers renowned for their quality products. Mr. A contacted with Kikusui to get information and some advices to solve the problem. Mr. A learned of a DC Electronic Load PLZ-5WH Series from Kikusui sales who explained that the PLZ-5WH Series is a high voltage multi-functional DC Electronic Load that allows users to perform discharge test under various test conditions, capable of operating from 10V to 800V (minimum operating voltage from 1.5V). The PLZ-5WH Series has 12kW and 20kW model and Mr. A noticed the compact design with high energy density. Mr. A realized that programmable DC electronic loads are instrument that aids in testing various settings, configurations and schemes. This eliminates the problem to design test circuits for their battery tests. Using the PLZ-5WH Series equipped with Graphical User Interface and various communication interfaces produces test result faster, provides a consistent test, and can test safety. Mr. A tried the offered demonstration unit of PLZ-5WH Series on loan to check the operationality and the functions.

When used on a trial basis, the PLZ-5WH successfully performed the required battery test. Not only performing the load simulation what Mr. A wanted, but also equipped color LCD and the graphical user interface provided intuitive operations. The PLZ-5WH speeds and simplifies the process of collecting battery test data. The test results can be obtained by running a load test under various cut-off test conditions such as Ampere Hour (Ah), Watt-Hours (Wh), Time and Voltage. The obtained test data can be shown at the LCD display in graph form for quick check. As the test data can be saved in a USB thumb drive with ease, the data can be edited in Excel or shown in graph form. The GUI not only enhances the efficiency and ease of use, but also prevents the user selecting wrong operation.

Mr. A was convinced that it was the right solution to introduce the PLZ-5WH Series, after realizing that the Kikusui equipment was less likely to malfunction than any other test equipment used in the past, and that it would lead to more accurate tests.

Mr. A said “Compared to before when man-hours in designing the test circuits were spent, the PLZ-5WH drastically shortened the development period, reduced defect rates and cut total costs. It is compact enough to be relocated from test lab to side of desk, that eliminates installation space issues.”

The new testing environment allowed engineers to concentrate on the evaluation of batteries. Consequently, it resulted in improving the product quality and was able to deliver it on time without issues. The PLZ-5WH Series is scheduled to be introduced at other departments, after confirming the PLZ-5WH performance and the usability by other engineers.