Programmable DC Load

The Programmable DC Load System is a real, hardware-based resistive load bank that allows precise, software-controlled application of electrical loads to DC power sources such as fuel cells, batteries, solar PV modules, and DC power supplies. Unlike electronic or transistor-based loads, this system uses actual resistors as load elements, making it a perfect match for scenarios where users need to observe true thermal, electrical, and physical behavior under resistive loading conditions. Featuring a LabVIEW-based graphical user interface (GUI), the system offers both manual toggle and automated control modes, real-time parameter monitoring, data logging, and live graph plotting. It's a highly effective tool for engineering education, renewable energy research, and system testing.

Key Features

Real Hardware-Based Resistive Load Bank: Utilizes discrete power resistors in fixed values (1 W to 100 W) for physically accurate and thermally responsive load testing—ideal for evaluating how sources behave under real resistive conditions.
Segmented Load Configuration
Total power capacity (e.g., 1000 W) is divided into multiple discrete segments:
- 1 W, 5 W, 10 W, 50 W, and 100 W
- Each resistor segment can be toggled ON/OFF individually via software, enabling fine-tuned control of the applied load.
Dual Operation Modes
- Manual Mode: Users switch load segments ON/OFF one at a time.
- Automatic Mode: Enter a reference power, and the system selects resistor combinations to approximate the desired load automatically.
Visual Load Indicators: LED indicators show the real-time ON/OFF status of each resistor segment, giving users an immediate visual reference.
Real-Time Monitoring Panel
Displays live values of:
- DC Voltage
- DC Current
- DC Power
LabVIEW-Based Open-Source Software
- Built using NI LabVIEW
- Fully open source and customizable
- Users can modify control logic, add automation routines, integrate sensors, or embed new safety protocols
Data Logging and Graph Plotting
- Tracks and plots Reference Power vs Actual Power
- Additional graphs for Voltage vs Time, Current vs Time, and Power vs Time
- Export logs in CSV format for reporting or analysis
Emergency STOP: Instantly disconnects all loads in case of faults or unsafe operation
COM Port Connectivity: Easily connects to your system through a serial interface (e.g., COM8), allowing integration with a wide variety of digital control platforms

Learning Module

Real Load Behavior Analysis

Study real-world source performance under pure resistive loading
Plot and analyze V-I characteristics and power curves of DC power supplies, batteries, fuel cells, and solar panels

Manual & Automatic Load Profiling

Switch resistor segments manually and observe source behavior changes
Use automatic mode to generate step changes and simulate varying power demand scenarios

Graphical Monitoring & Data Analysis

Monitor voltage, current, and power dynamically
Plot graphs for transient behavior, source recovery time, and ripple detection
Export experimental results for lab reporting

Technical Description

The Ecosense Programmable DC Load System is a precision hardware-based DC load generator designed for controlled resistive loading of DC power sources in labs.
It enables software-controlled application of electrical loads to DC supplies, batteries, fuel cells, solar PV modules, and other DC systems, providing realistic loading conditions for experimentation, characterization, and performance evaluation.
Unlike purely electronic loads, this system uses real resistive elements, making it ideal for observing true electrical and thermal load behaviour under resistive stress.
The load is controlled through a LabVIEW-based GUI, allowing users to toggle modes manually or run automated test sequences while logging real-time parameters and plotting results live.
It is widely used in academic and research labs for hands-on learning, renewable energy testing, system validation, and advanced power supply characterization.

Technical Specifications

Electrical Load Capabilities

Parameters	Specifications
Load Type	Programmable DC resistive load
Control Interface	LabVIEW GUI
Application Range	DC power sources (batteries, PV, fuel cells)

* specifications can be customized

Monitoring & Software

Parameters	Specifications
Real-time monitoring	Voltage, current, load condition
Data logging	Logged with timestamp
Live graph plotting	Visual analysis via GUI

* specifications can be customized

Control Modes

Parameters	Specifications
Manual mode	Hands-on adjustments via GUI
Automated sequence	Repeated tests
Load scheduling	Dynamic loading, Time-based load changes

* specifications can be customized

Real world impact across Campuses

Recent Installations

Ecosense supplied Customised Converters with Programmable RLC Load to NIT Goa to conduct their research on Microgrid.

May 11, 2022

The National Institute of Technology Goa (NIT Goa) is a premier technical Institute of the region.

Ecosense installed Hybrid AC/DC Microgrid at NIT Delhi

June 5, 2023

Ecosense's installation of a Microgrid system at the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, NIT Delhi showcases their commitment to...

Ecosense Supplied Hybrid AC/DC Microgrid at MIT Muzaffarpur

March 12, 2025

Ecosense has successfully installed a state-of-the-art Hybrid AC/DC Microgrid at the Department of Electrical Engineering, MIT Muzaffarpur, reinforcing its commitment...

Frequently Asked Questions

It is used to apply controlled electrical loads to DC sources like batteries, power supplies, and solar modules for testing performance, efficiency, and behaviour under varied load conditions.

The system uses software (LabVIEW GUI) for precise control of resistive load levels, enabling both manual adjustments and automation.

Yes — it supports real-time monitoring, data logging, and live graph plotting of electrical parameters through its GUI.

Yes — it’s designed for educational environments and research labs to teach load dynamics and perform controlled experiments.

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Programmable DC Load

Key Features