The selection of a battery charging and discharging tester should be based on comprehensive consideration of the testing requirements, battery parameters and budget. The core selection steps and key parameters are as follows:
1. Clearly define the core requirements Testing purpose
It is necessary to clearly define the purpose of the test as either routine maintenance (internal resistance and voltage checks), deep verification (full capacity discharge), or life testing during the research and development stage.
Battery type
The battery chemical system must be determined as lead-acid or lithium-ion, and different systems require different testing procedures and algorithms.
Battery system specifications
Voltage specification: The test object must be clearly defined as the voltage of individual cells (such as 2V, 12V) or the voltage of the entire battery pack (such as 384V, 540V). The instrument voltage range must fully cover the voltage of the test object.
Capacity specification: The rated capacity of a single battery must be clearly defined (such as 100Ah, 2000Ah). The instrument current range must meet the charging and discharging requirements of the corresponding rates (such as C10, C3).
Connection method: The test method must be determined as external attachment of individual cells or series connection of the entire battery pack.
II. Determine key performance parameters
Voltage measurement range and accuracy
The measurement range must be greater than the total voltage of the battery pack, and the accuracy is typically required to be ±0.5% or higher standards.
Current measurement range and accuracy
This parameter is a core key indicator for selection.
Discharge current calculation logic is the battery capacity divided by the discharge rate. For example, when a 500Ah battery is discharged at a 10-hour rate (C10), a current of 50A is required; when discharged at a 3-hour rate (C3), a current of approximately 167A is required. The instrument’s larger continuous discharge current must meet the testing requirements and leave a margin.
If charging tests are involved, the instrument’s charging current capacity must be confirmed simultaneously.
Current measurement accuracy is typically required to reach ±1% or higher standards.
Power parameters
The power calculation formula is power (W) = voltage (V) × current (A). It is necessary to ensure that the instrument can adapt to high-voltage and high-current testing scenarios. Work mode
Constant current discharge: This is the most common mode, discharging at a fixed current until reaching the cut-off voltage.
Constant power discharge: It can simulate the constant power characteristic of the actual load.
Constant resistance discharge: This is less commonly used.
Smart three-stage charging: It has multiple charging modes such as constant current, constant voltage, and float charging.
Heat dissipation method
Consumptive type: Converts electrical energy into heat and dissipates it through an internal or external resistor box. It has the advantages of simple structure and low cost, but has the problem of high heat generation, and requires a good ventilation environment.
Regressive / Grid-connected type: It can return the discharged electrical energy to the grid or supply it to other loads, featuring energy-saving and efficient (efficiency > 90%) and no thermal pollution. However, the equipment price is higher and is suitable for large-capacity and high-frequency testing scenarios.
Data management and software functions
Whether it is equipped with PC-end or mobile-end supporting software.
Whether it supports automatically generating test reports, which should include voltage curves, capacity calculations, and identification of lagging individual cells.
Whether it has remote control and remote monitoring capabilities.
III. Considering additional functions and practicality
Single cell voltage monitoring module
For the testing of series battery packs, this is a necessary function. It can simultaneously monitor the voltage of each individual cell, enabling precise positioning of lagging cells, and the module needs to be confirmed to have a large number of monitored cells.
Internal resistance testing function
Some instruments integrate the internal resistance testing function, which can be used as a rapid screening tool for battery performance. Safety
It is necessary to have multiple protection functions such as overvoltage, overcurrent, overheat, reverse connection, and open circuit.
Portability
The design of the equipment, including its weight, volume, and whether it is equipped with mobile wheels, has a significant impact on the convenience of on-site maintenance operations.
Reliability and Service
The reliability of the equipment’s operation, as well as the accessibility and convenience of after-sales technical support and calibration services, need to be considered.
Post time: Jan-15-2026