Millbrook says it has increased the efficiency of its driveline and electric motor dynamometer testing services in the US, due to proactive preparation for lockdown and consistent customer communications.

The company’s engineering team adapted to ensure that customers continued to receive test data as it was generated, changing the setup of Millbrook’s 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 engineers needing to attend in person.

As Millbrook’s testing facility in California went into lockdown first, the team moved quickly to prepare for restrictions in Detroit. Millbrook’s engineers set up additional camera systems, temperature sensors and instrumentation to measure pressure and torque throughout its test buildings. This increased remote visibility for off-site engineers and improved employee safety.

Engineers are now running and monitoring electric motor dynamometer testing services remotely, 24/7, using Millbrook’s REPS automation software. For each test, one engineer is running the test through REPS and another engineer is monitoring the electric motor test stand via video link.

“Remote working and simplified set up means that we can get more electric powertrain tests done in a day now,” said Dustin Harrison, Director of Testing Operations. “More of our engineers are available to review data at home, so our customers are receiving data more quickly.”

Millbrook’s 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.

Running dynamometer testing of electric motors remotely has also resulted in customers receiving data more quickly as Millbrook concentrates its efforts on its test services business.

Source: Millbrook