FKFS: Research in Motion: Thermal Wind Tunnel

Thermal Wind Tunnel

The thermal wind tunnel at FKFS is a high performance 2-axle roller dynamometer test bench in a Göttingen Type wind tunnel. On this test bench, a wide range of holistic vehicle testing can be carried out independently of the season and weather conditions. Furthermore, on-road vehicle testing can be realistically simulated in the thermal wind tunnel.

The thermal wind tunnel is used for thermal management and soiling experiments as well as for performance measurements and vehicle part functionality tests. We offer a multitude of options for different wet conditions and the impact of spray, as well as for air flow measurements and visualization around and through the vehicle. This allows us to offer custom-tailored solutions for our customer needs.

The thermal wind channel is paired with prototype-secure vehicle preparation workshops and vehicle storage options.

Contact

Dr.-Ing. Jens Neubeck

Ph.: +49 711 685-65701

Technical Data
Examples of application

Technical Data

Dimensions
Test section (lenth x width x height)	15.8 m x 6.8 m x 5.5 m
Entrance (width x height)	2.9 m x 4.0 m

2-axle-dynamometer test bench
Dynamometer diameter	1.6 m
Dynamometer speed	max. 300 km/h
Driving/braking power	respectively max. 300 kW front and 500 kW rear.
Traction force when under braking	20 kN
The test bench has two identical sets of rollers (for the front and rear axles).
The rollers can be moved in the longitudinal direction.

Air path	Large nozzle	Small nozzle
Air flow velocity (continuously adjustable)	max. 210 km/h	max. 240 km/h
Nozzle cross section	6 m² (2.45 m x 2.45 m)	4 m² (2.45 m x 1.60 m)
Air temperature regulation via heat exchanger unit between 20 °C and 50 °C.
Deviating operating conditions on request.

Additional test bench equipment
Electric throttle and brake actuators
Driver control unit/ driver guidance system
Lifting platform and workshop equipment
Secured prototypes preparation rooms
Extensive measuring, analysis and visualization technology

Application Examples

Cooling tests / thermal management

For testing and design

of the vehicle radiator
of the drive train and components
of the thermal behavior of brakes

Contamination testing

[Translate to en:] Verschmutzungsuntersuchung

Improved optical result visualization through addition of a fluorescent dye
Detailed testing for foreign and self-soiling of vehicles
Examination of self-soiling from rotating wheels
Quantitative and qualitative examination of brake fading in wet conditions

Driving performance testing

[Translate to en:] Fahrleistungsuntersuchung im Thermowindkanal

Stationary and cyclical driving performance measurements
Simulation of towing operation
Durability tests of the entire power train
Thermal behavior of components and operating fluids

Vehicle component functionality tests

Braking performance
Wiper tests, wiper motor design
Water separation optimization for the air intake system
Sensor function testing (e.g. under wet conditions)