US Government As Represented by the Secretary of the Army

John M Zwally

Yi Ding

Matthew W Skalny

David Anthony Skalny

Craig William Schmehl

Tyruss J Valascho

Sonya G Zanardelli

One example is test system for testing the propulsion system(s) of vehicles. The test system includes a retention fixture, a linking device, a test logic, a measurement device and a result logic. The retention fixture is for rigidly mounting first and second vehicles to the retention fixture. The linking device links propulsion systems of the first and second vehicles so that the propulsion systems operate a different rates. The test logic subjects the second vehicle's propulsion system to a propulsion test. The measurement device measures at least one parameter associated with the propulsion system of the first vehicle while the first vehicle is subjected to the propulsion test. The result logic determines if the first vehicle under test passed the propulsion test based, in part, on the at least one parameter and generates an indication if the first vehicle passed or failed the propulsion test.

Propulsion system testing using a second vehicle as a dynamometer

A method of rapidly testing the discharge capacity of a battery comprises discharging the battery at a first discharge rate until a first cutoff potential is reached, relaxing the battery during a first period, discharging the battery at a lower discharge rate until a second cutoff potential is reached and relaxing the battery during a second, longer period. The process is repeated with successively lower discharge rates and successively longer relaxation periods until the battery is substantially exhausted. The cumulative value of all of the discharges is taken as a tested capacity of the battery. Optionally, cleanup charges can be sent to the battery during the relaxation periods and a low-frequency, low-amplitude current can be supplied throughout testing in order to shorten testing time.

Technique for rapid battery capacity testing

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Canton, MI, United States of America

John M Zwally