BMTA Newsletter BMTA Newsletter - Spring 2020 | Page 5

bmta.co.uk
NEWS
FLEXIBLE SYSTEM TO TEST NEW DESIGNS FOR HYBRID
AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES
SAKOR Technologies Inc., recognised in the area of high-performance
dynamometer systems, has recently provided the University of Houston’s
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering with a dynamometer
test system designed to test motor and inverter designs for use in hybrid
and electric vehicle applications.
The system features dual opposing 7.5 kilowatt (kW) AccuDyne™ four-quadrant
AC motoring dynamometers, variable frequency drives, and a variety of
subsystems configured for testing electrical machines. The dynamometers are
capable of bi-directional loading and motoring, allowing researchers to test
different algorithms and designs. One dynamometer will be used for testing
permanent magnet motors and the other will be used to test induction motors.
The dynamometers feature regenerative operation, which recovers most of the
load energy and makes the system extremely power efficient. They operate at
up to 8,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) and offer up to 150 percent overload
capacity, making them compatible with most small hybrid and electric vehicle
architectures.
The system is automated by SAKOR’s DynoLAB™ test automation control
system, a powerful system that provides the capabilities necessary for the typical
test engineer and/or technician to design and implement complex test procedures
without the need to learn a programming language.
NPL PROVIDES CONSULTANCY SERVICE TO ASSIST WITH ISO ACCREDITATION
AND SUPPORT ON THE REQUIREMENTS OUTLINED IN UKAS TPS 73.
UKAS and other global accreditation bodies have identified the
potential for disruption to quality management systems resulting
from the COVID-19 crisis. UKAS has issued a Technical Policy
Statement: TPS 73 – UKAS Policy on Accreditation and
Conformity Assessment During the COVID-19 Outbreak. The
document sets out requirements and guidance on conformity for
laboratories, certification, verification and inspection bodies,
reference material producers, proficiency testing providers and
providers of healthcare, scientific and diagnostic services,
addressing the obligations different groups need to consider.
The current situation across the UK and around the world is
impacting the availability of standard tools used to provide
traceability, demonstrate technical competence, and assure
quality. As a result, ISO accredited laboratories, analytical
service providers, and suppliers of reference materials and PT
are assessing new approaches to their quality system
conformance obligations, and where necessary finding ways to
adapt their normal routines.
As the UK’s National Metrology Institute (NMI), the National
Physical laboratory (NPL) can play an important role in helping
ensure ongoing conformity and technical validity, within the scope
of an organisation’s accreditation. To help now, and as we return
to business as usual, NPL has launched a consultancy-based
service to assist organisations through the challenges associated
with interruptions to the important tools which underpin their quality
conformance. Including access to scheduled calibration, reference
materials and standards, or PT schemes.
NPL can help with Quality Management System conformity across
a broad spectrum of activity, including consultancy support to
help address:
Changes to periodic calibration frequency
Impact of rescheduling intermediate checks of measurement and
test equipment
Use of alternative supplies that could affect the validity of the
conformity assessment activity
Facilitating adapted PT solutions
Outsourcing solutions
Maintaining staff competency – including training support
Internal quality control, including gap analysis, mitigation plans
Internal audit management and review – offered remotely during
COVID-19 disruption.
Related standards: ISO/IEC 17025:2017, ISO 17034:2016, ISO
17043:2010, ISO 9001:2015.
NPL also offers a range of training including their e-Learning content
which is currently available free of charge (until 30 June 2020), and a
suite of Good Practice Guides applicable to different industries and
applications and available for download.