All-wheel roller dynamometer with climate chamber
The German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) Institute of Vehicle Concepts in Stuttgart uses state-of-the-art equipment to develop and test future vehicle powertrains. The research facility is used to validate newly designed or simulated technologies; for example, those used for alternative energy conversion and the interactive networking of energy storage systems in the powertrain. The all-wheel roller dynamometer is suitable for conventionally powered vehicles, as well as those that use alternative fuels such as natural gas and hydrogen.
Investigating the latest, cutting-edge vehicle drive concepts on the roller test rig
The immense range of technical parameters accommodated by this DLR large-scale facility makes the roller dynamometer (Roller Dynamometer Test Center for innovative vehicles) with climate control and exhaust gas analysis almost unique in terms of its diversity and test possibilities. It enables the testing of front-wheel, rear-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles with wheelbases of between 1.6 and 4 metres.
The vehicles and ancillary units are investigated for energy efficiency and emission patterns in standardised and simulated driving cycles, including gradients. By accommodating a temperature range of minus 40 to plus 60 degrees Celsius, and an adjustable relative humidity level of between zero and 80 percent, the climate chamber can simulate a comprehensive set of summer and winter driving conditions.
An extensive explosion protection system included in the original construction of the facility means that investigations of vehicle prototypes using fuel cell systems are also possible. For emission and consumption measurements with liquid and gaseous fuels, the facility accommodates a Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) Euro 5 exhaust gas analysis unit, a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel-cell system, a fuel scale and a complete gaseous supply infrastructure (natural gas, hydrogen, etc.), including the capability for gas consumption measurement. State-of-the-art vehicle powertrains, as well as options for a reduced-emission future, can be tested at the facility. With its charging systems and electricity consumption measurements, the test bed is also designed for hybrid and electric vehicles. The maximum speed for vehicle testing is 200 kilometres per hour. With its unique research possibilities, the all-wheel roller dynamometer at DLR in Stuttgart is highly attractive for industrial partners.