Development of an economical, software-controlled battery load testing system

Battery discharge capacity tests have traditionally been performed manually, although several mechanized systems are commercially available. A need was identified at the Manitoba Telephone System (MTS) to accurately and economically load test batteries in the field, to verify the capacity of new installations as well as to assist determining the true end-of-life of existing strings. The development of an economical, software-controlled system for testing -48 volt battery strings in the telephone environment is discussed.<>