Heltec 20 Channel Battery Capacity Tester User Manual

1. Product Introduction

The Heltec HT-ED10AC20 is a versatile 20-channel instrument designed for battery capacity testing and maintenance. It supports a wide range of battery types, including ternary lithium, lithium iron phosphate, lithium titanate, nickel-metal-hydride, and nickel-cadmium batteries, with voltages from 1V to 5V. The device boasts high accuracy in current and voltage measurements (±0.01V and ±0.02A respectively).

Key functions include battery capacity testing, balancing, pulse charging, and cycling. The accompanying upper computer software allows for comprehensive control over battery working steps, offering high precision, strong timeliness, simple operation, and practical reliability. This system is ideal for battery manufacturers and users requiring detailed testing and maintenance services.

Product Features

• Each channel is equipped with a dedicated processor for precise capacity calculation, timing, voltage, and current control.
• Multiple capacity testing methods are available to suit various scenarios.
• The upper computer software supports up to 9999 charge/discharge cycles for simple and intelligent operation.
• Real-time display of battery working status and parameters (voltage, current, capacity).
• Full-channel isolation technology allows independent setting of charging/discharging parameters for each channel or uniform parameters for balanced battery pack effect.
• Group matching function enables test results to be matched against custom standards and marked for display.
• Compatible with various physical specification batteries including 18650, 26650, pouch cells, and block cells.
• Customizable test status pane colors for visual inspection of multiple devices.

2. Setup

2.1 Environmental Considerations

• Maintain ambient temperature below 35°C and humidity below 90% during operation.
• Ensure the air inlet at the rear of the equipment is not blocked and has at least 5CM ventilation space.
• Keep air outlets on both sides clear with at least 5CM ventilation space.
• Ensure the air inlet at the bottom is unobstructed by debris.

2.2 Hardware Connection

1. Connect the AC 220V power socket to the device's power input socket.
2. Turn on the power switch. Observe the indicator light for initialization; it should eventually show a stop state.
3. Set device numbers 1 to 16 on the rear panel. For multiple devices, ensure unique device numbers.
4. Connect the instrument to a computer using a communication cable.
5. The HT-ED10AC20 supports batteries with a voltage within 5V and a capacity within 100AH.
6. Physically connect 18650, 26650 lithium iron phosphate, No. 5 nickel-metal-hydride, pouch, block, and large single cells.
7. Adjust the probe height (minimum 32mm, maximum 130mm) and lower fixture for proper contact with battery electrode plates. Ensure the middle needle makes contact during testing.
8. Use the provided output cable with alligator clips or flat clips, connecting them to the positive and negative terminals of the battery. The four-wire sampling connection ensures accuracy.

2.3 Software Installation

1. Locate and open the installation software.
2. Choose an installation location (preferably not the C drive).
3. After installation, open the software and select the network (ensure public network is enabled).
4. Click "Connect" in the software, select the device, and click "Connect Device". Accept default IP settings.

2.4 Software Interface Overview

The software interface displays device information, including connection status, device number, and software version. Double-clicking a device shows detailed settings. The status of each channel is indicated by color, allowing quick identification of abnormal states.

3. Operating Instructions

3.1 Creating a Test Plan (Battery Capacity Detection)

1. Click on the "Step" button in the upper left corner of the software.
2. Select the corresponding machine model (e.g., HT-ED10AC20) from the top left.
3. Click "Add Workstep Program" at the bottom right to create a new plan. Enter a name (e.g., "Ternary Lithium Battery") and set the parallel number to "1". Confirm.
4. Click on the newly created plan name.
5. Click "Add" to add the first step. From the dropdown, select "CC&CV Charge" (Constant Current & Constant Voltage Charge).
6. Set the charging voltage (e.g., 4200mV for ternary lithium). Set the charging current (e.g., 5000mA for 5A). Capacity does not need to be set. Set the cut-off current (e.g., 300mA). Confirm.
7. Click "Add" again. Select "Idle". Set the idle time (e.g., 3 minutes). Confirm.
8. Click "Add" again. Select "CC Discharge" (Constant Current Discharge).
9. Set the minimum discharge voltage (e.g., 2800mV for ternary lithium). Set the discharge current (e.g., 5000mA for 5A). Capacity does not need to be set. Confirm.
10. Click "Add" again. Select "Idle". Set the idle time (e.g., 3 minutes). Confirm.
11. Click "Add" again. Select "CC&CV Charge". Set the charging voltage (e.g., 3700mV for balancing). Set the charging current (e.g., 5000mA). Set the cut-off current (e.g., 300mA). Confirm.
12. Click "Save" to save the entire 5-step plan.

3.2 Starting a Test Plan

1. Right-click on the desired channel in the main interface.
2. Select "Settings/Start".
3. From the "Step" dropdown, choose the test plan you just created (e.g., "Ternary Lithium Battery").
4. Click "Confirm". The test will begin automatically.

3.3 Data Analysis and Export

1. To view data for a specific battery, right-click on its channel and select "Analyze". This will open a curve change diagram showing voltage, current, and capacity over time.
2. The data analysis window displays voltage, current, capacity, temperature, duration, and time. You can expand cycles to see detailed data recorded every 10 seconds.
3. To export data, click the "Export" button in the data analysis window. Choose a location (e.g., desktop) and rename the file for easy identification (e.g., "Ternary Lithium Battery"). Click "Save".

3.4 Battery Balancing

The machine's independent channels allow for individual control. You can balance specific batteries or all channels simultaneously.

1. Click on the "Step" button in the upper left corner.
2. Select your machine model from the top left.
3. Click "Add Workstep Program" to create a new plan. Name it "Charge Balancing" and set parallel number to "1". Confirm.
4. Click on the "Charge Balancing" plan name.
5. Click "Add". Select "CC&CV Charge". Set the voltage to the desired equalization voltage (e.g., 3700mV). Set the charging current (e.g., 5000mA). Set maximum capacity (e.g., 10000mAh). Set cut-off current (e.g., 500mA). Confirm.
6. Click "Save".
7. To start charge balancing, right-click on the desired channel, select "Settings/Start", choose the "Charge Balancing" plan, and confirm.
8. To create a discharge equalization plan, repeat steps 1-4, naming the plan "Discharge Equalization".
9. Click "Add". Select "CC&CV Discharge". Set the voltage to the desired discharge voltage (e.g., 3000mV). Set the discharge current (e.g., 5000mA). Set cut-off current (e.g., 500mA). Confirm.
10. Click "Save".
11. To start discharge balancing, right-click on the desired channel, select "Settings/Start", choose the "Discharge Equalization" plan, and confirm.
12. To control all channels simultaneously, press Ctrl + A to select all channels, then right-click and apply the desired settings.

4. Specifications

5. User Tips

• For ternary lithium batteries, a typical 3AH capacity with 3.7V nominal voltage requires a charge/discharge current below 1A. The cut-off current should be around 0.02 times the capacity (e.g., 0.1A).
• The maximum charging cut-off voltage is 4.2V, and the minimum discharging cut-off voltage is 3V.
• Always allow sufficient time for the battery to cool down after each charge or discharge cycle.
• If initial measurements are inaccurate, repeat the process multiple times to ensure correct results.
• The device supports various battery types, including those used in hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius (2004-2015 models).

6. Warranty and Support

The warranty period for this product is 1 year. The warranty covers normal use and excludes damage from human factors, self-disassembly, modifications, repairs not in accordance with instructions, and force majeure. Accessories such as test fixtures are considered consumables and are not covered by warranty.

For warranty service, please contact your dealer. If you cannot reach the dealer, contact Heltec directly via email or phone. Please note that there are no after-sales service stations outside of China. For warranty service, you may need to send the product to Heltec for repair, and you will be responsible for the return shipping costs.