Testing specialist Millbrook says that it has increased the efficiency of its driveline and electric motor dynamometer testing services in the USA, thanks to proactive preparation for lockdown and consistent customer communications.
According to the company, its engineering team adapted quickly to lockdown measures to ensure that customers continued to receive test data as it was generated. To achieve this, the team changed the set-up of its electric motor test stands so that long-term tests could be run remotely. This meant that testing could continue for as long as possible without any engineers needing to attend the site.
As its testing facility in California went into lockdown first, the team moved to prepare for restrictions that would come into effect at its Detroit base. For example, engineers set up additional camera systems, temperature sensors and extra instrumentation to measure pressure and torque throughout its test buildings. This, it says, increased remote visibility for off-site engineers, improved employee safety and enabled the smooth running of tests.
Thanks to these measures, Milbrook says its engineers are now running and monitoring electric motor dynamometer testing services remotely, 24/7, using its in-house automation software, REPS. For each test, one engineer runs the test through REPS and another engineer monitors the electric motor test stand via video link. It is also the case that electric motor testing can require constant parameter changes, so it can be more efficient for customers to make these changes themselves. To enable this, Millbrook provided customers with REPS training programs and computer access, subject to strict security procedures.
Apparently, this move to remote working and simplified set-up means that the company’s engineers can now complete a higher volume of electric powertrain tests in a day compared with when there were no restrictions.