ZKE Tech EBC-A20 Charger and Capacity Tester: Features, Operation, and PC Software for Comprehensive Battery Analysis
Summary:
The video introduces the ZKE Tech EBC-A20, a versatile battery charger and capacity tester. Key points include:
- The device supports charging and discharging of batteries from 0-30V (discharge) and 0-18V (charge), with currents up to 20A (discharge) and 5A (charge).
- It features multiple test modes, including constant current and constant power discharge, and constant voltage charge, suitable for various battery chemistries like LiFePO4 and lead-acid.
- The tester offers separated voltage and current channels for high accuracy, minimizing measurement errors from cable voltage drops.
- A standout feature is its PC connectivity via a mini USB port, allowing full control through dedicated software.
- The PC software displays real-time data, plots beautiful voltage and current graphs during tests, and enables saving of test data and curves for detailed analysis.
- The speaker demonstrates basic manual operation and highlights the ability to adjust test parameters dynamically via the software.
- He also mentions a larger EBC-A40L model for higher current tests (up to 40A) but notes the A20's advantage of higher voltage range for multi-cell battery packs.
ZKE Tech EBC-A20 Tester Connected to a LiFePO4 Battery Cell [ 00:03:20 ]
Unboxing and First Look [0:40]
The presenter unboxes the ZKE Tech EBC-A20 battery tester, an electronic load and charger that he plans to use for extensive battery testing.
- Package Contents: The package includes the EBC-A20 tester unit, a warranty card, a manual (initially found in Chinese, with an English version available online), a power supply, a power supply cable, and various test cables.
- Tester Overview:
- The EBC-A20 features an active cooling system with multiple fans.
- It has probe connections for precise measurements and an on/off button.
- The device is housed in a metal case and has a clear display and control buttons.
Essential Components and Connections [2:07]
The presenter explains the different components and how they connect to the tester.
- Power Supply: The tester is powered by a 19V, 4.7A power supply, resembling a laptop charger.
- Test Cables:
- The test cables consist of one thick cable for carrying the current and a thinner cable for voltage sensing.
- This design ensures high measurement accuracy by directly sensing the voltage at the crocodile clamps, preventing errors due to voltage drop in the main current-carrying cable.
- Test Battery: For demonstration, a 3.2V, 100 Ampere-hour (Ah) LiFePO4 battery cell is used.
- The presenter notes the convenience of using 100Ah cells for easier calculations during cycle tests.
- M6 screws are added to the battery terminals for easier connection.
ZKE Tech EBC-A20 Specifications and Test Modes [4:59]
The presenter reviews the technical specifications and various test modes of the EBC-A20, emphasizing its versatility.
- Voltage Range:
- Test Voltage (discharge): 0-30V
- Charge Voltage: 0-18V
- Current Range:
- Discharge Current: 0.1-20A
- Charge Current: 0.1-5A
- Test Modes:
- Constant Current (CC) Discharging: Discharges the battery at a set current.
- Constant Power (CP) Discharging: Discharges the battery at a set power, useful for testing specific application power delivery (e.g., a 100W light for 5 hours).
- Constant Voltage (CV) Charging: Charges the battery at a constant voltage, ideal for lithium and lead-acid batteries.
- Operation Modes:
- Normal Mode: Performs a single charge or discharge cycle.
- Auto Mode: Executes a full cycle of charging, discharging (with capacity measurement), and then recharging the battery.
- Accuracy:
- Voltage Accuracy: ±(3mV + 0.5% of reading) for 0-4.5V range, ±(10mV + 0.5% of reading) for 4.5-30V range.
- Current Accuracy: ±(10mA + 0.5% of reading).
- Display and Connectivity:
- LCD display shows real-time voltage, current, time, capacity, and energy.
- Features a mini USB port for computer connection, unlocking advanced control and data visualization.
Manual Operation of the Tester [8:12]
The presenter demonstrates how to manually set parameters on the EBC-A20 using its onboard buttons.
- Navigating the Menu: Holding the "SET" button for two seconds enters the menu. The "ON" button (red) moves the cursor between parameter fields, and the "SET" button jumps between digits. "INC" and "DEC" buttons adjust values.
- Setting Charge Parameters:
- Example: Setting Constant Voltage (CV) charge mode.
- Charge current set to 5A, target voltage to 3.65V.
- Charging stops when the current drops below 0.5A (500mA).
- Initiating a Test: After setting parameters, holding "SET" for two seconds exits the menu, and pressing "ON" starts the test.
- The display shows real-time voltage, current, and accumulated charge (mAh).
- Pressing "SET" during a test switches between current/capacity and power/energy displays.
- Pressing "ON" stops the active test.
- Setting Discharge Parameters:
- Constant Power (CP) Discharge: Example set to discharge at 50W down to 3V for one minute.
- Constant Current (CC) Discharge: Example set to discharge at 5A down to 3V, running until the cutoff voltage is reached (time set to 0 minutes).
PC Software Integration and Data Visualization [12:29]
The video highlights the significant advantage of connecting the EBC-A20 to a computer using its dedicated software.
- Connectivity: A mini USB cable and a USB-to-TTL serial adapter are used to connect the tester to a PC.
- The software automatically detects the correct COM port.
- Upon successful connection, the tester's display shows "PC," indicating computer control.
- Software Interface:
- The software provides a real-time graph displaying voltage, current, and power.
- All test parameters (mode, current/power, cutoff voltage, max time) can be easily adjusted from the computer interface.
- Dynamic Test Control: The presenter demonstrates changing the discharge current mid-test (from 5A to 10A, then to 20A).
- The graph clearly shows the immediate drop in voltage corresponding to increased discharge current, providing valuable insights into battery behavior under varying loads.
Screenshot of the ZKE Tech EB Tester Software showing current adjustments during discharge [ 00:17:28 ]
- The graph clearly shows the immediate drop in voltage corresponding to increased discharge current, providing valuable insights into battery behavior under varying loads.
- Data Saving and Analysis:
- The software allows users to save raw test data or export graphs as images.
- The saved graphs include all relevant test information at the bottom, making it easy to analyze charge/discharge curves.
- This feature is crucial for understanding battery chemistry and performance over time.
Comparison with EBC-A40L and Use Cases [18:52]
The presenter discusses the EBC-A20's capabilities and introduces its "big brother," the ZKE Tech EBC-A40L, along with their respective ideal use cases.
- EBC-A20 Advantages:
- Cost-effective (approximately 100 AUD including accessories).
- Higher voltage range (up to 30V discharge) suitable for testing built 12V or 24V battery packs.
- Charging up to 5A, discharging up to 20A.
- Excellent for self-built battery systems in RVs, motorhomes, cabins, and boats.
- EBC-A40L (Big Brother):
- Handles higher currents: up to 40A for both charging and discharging.
- Lower voltage range: 0-5V, making it suitable primarily for testing individual battery cells, not multi-cell packs.
- More expensive (around 311 AUD including shipping).
- Future Plans: The presenter intends to conduct full charge/discharge capacity tests and analyze behavior under various conditions (different currents, absorption phases) for LiFePO4 batteries using both the EBC-A20 and the upcoming EBC-A40L.