Chroma Showcases EV-related Test Solutions at EV Taiwan 2013

Chroma ATE Inc., a leading Taiwanese manufacturer of precision electronic gauges and provider of electric vehicle (EV) test solutions, EV powertrain systems, and assembled electric scooters and solutions, showcased comprehensive solutions and products at the 2013 EV Taiwan (Taiwan Int'l Electric Vehicle Show), attracting ample attention amid global visitors.

At the show, Chroma displayed its automated test systems for EV powertrains, electronic-control systems and parts; EV power supply equipment; EV on-board chargers; DC/DC transformers; motor drivers, and many others. In addition, the firm also exhibited a customized EV Supply Equipment (EVSE) system that can simulate various power grid and EV conditions for EVSE testing. The EVSE system fully complies with the SAE-J1772, CNS15511, GB/T 20234.2 test requirements.

Chroma demonstrated its strength in the EV industry by providing xEV power electronics test solution, advanced e-Drivetrain, as well as stylish assembled e-scooters and powertrain solutions developed by its affiliated company EVT Technology Co.

For EV test system, Chroma has successfully developed a multifunctional automatic test system (ATS) for testing the electronic parts with a wide range of rated power from hundreds to thousands of watts used for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). The test applications include EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment, charging station), on-board charger, DC-DC converter, motor driver (inverter) and other related power electronic devices.

For the battery, the most important part of EVs, Chroma's ATS can integrate the DC power supply and electronic load for dynamic charge/discharge tests, and also simulate the actual battery usage of EVs. The newest developed regenerative battery module charge and discharge test system by Chroma was also exhibited at this year's EV Taiwan show. The patented energy recycle technology can transfer the discharged energy back into the power grid and make the battery production green and efficient. A series of test devices are also developed by Chroma for lithium-ion battery cell/pack capacity test with wide current range, and DC resistance tests with high accuracy output and measurement specifications, which are mainly for battery characteristic analysis, production tests, and quality tests etc.

For EV powertrain, the core propulsion part of EVs, EVT Technology of Chroma Group has focused on developing the xEV power control electronics, including power electronics unit (i.e. the inverter), on-board chargers, controller of integrated starter generator (ISG) for EV range extender, battery-disconnect unit, and electronics subsystems.

The inverters come with peak power of 80kW and 180kW, according to Chroma, can be applied to the vehicles of sedan size to mini-bus size, respectively. They can drive both induction motor (IM) or permanent magnet (PM) motor. The on-board charger which is designed with J1772 standard can support up to 6.6kW power output that can shorten the charging time significantly. It is designed with the advanced feature of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) that can convert the electric energy from power battery to home grid for emergency use. In addition, charger's protection mechanism can also ensure the safety of battery and entire vehicle. New control algorithm is implemented in the ISG control to reduce the vibration of engine and add the voltage stabilization of DC Bus. Moreover, the modular design of the power controls enables better cost structure and power density.

Assembled E-scooters

EVT also presented its new light e-scooter models certified to Taiwan government's TES or Taiwan E-Scooter Standards. The TES-approved e-scooter model classified in the "light" category has maximum speed of 55 kilometer per hour (kph) and cruise range of 70 km.

Chroma claims to have begun development and production of EV-related test equipment about two years ago to support governmental policy to develop the local EV industry. With cumulative experience and expertise, the company rapidly mapped out many advanced, functional equipment to have successfully tapped the global EV segments in Europe, the U.S., Japan, Taiwan and China.

Sales from EV-related test equipment grows by two-digit every year to be a main generator of income for Chroma, which says its vision is to develop globally leading products. To achieve this, Chroma invests significantly in research and development to enable turning out exceptional products of precision, reliability and test solutions for technological industries.