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

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