The chamber is capable of testing to customer specifications and industry standards. It can be used to conduct procedures in temperatures as low as -60°C, and up to +85°C (both ±2°C), to test a vehicle’s performance in even the most extreme temperatures found across the globe. That is supported by being able to create relative humidity levels from 3% up to 98%.
At 13.7m long, 5.7m wide and 6m high (internal measurements), and with a vehicle door opening measuring 5.1m x 5.0m, the facility will comfortably accommodate any conventional commercial or public service vehicle, such as a large capacity tipper truck.
Changeable weather conditions or extreme climates can have a considerable impact on a wide range of vehicle functions. The durability of such functions as heating, air conditioning, demisting and even engine start can be affected by extreme climates or weather conditions. International manufacturers can use the chamber to ensure the vehicle remains reliable in a variety of settings, through durability testing of components and materials in icy or humid conditions. The chamber can also serve as a climatic ‘soak’ chamber, capable of taking a vehicles temperature to any required extreme, prior to emissions testing with Millbrook’s PEMS equipment.
“The possibilities for testing in the facility are so varied, and there are very few limitations outside of the physical specifications,” said Darren Williams, principal engineer – test methodologies at Millbrook. “For example, the retaining function of doors in any temperature is of particular importance for a public service vehicle. The facility can be used to test that at the development stage and ensure the product is right by the time it reaches service.”
Temperature and humidity settings can be changed during use, thus simulating how a vehicle may respond to variable day and night conditions. The facility also has solar array compatibility to accurately recreate solar load on a vehicle, in addition to the changing temperatures.
The size of the chamber is particularly relevant for LCV manufacturers, as it allows for limited movement, facilitating brakes tests or for testing parking components at extreme temperatures. It is the first chamber of its type in the UK with the scale to undertake tests of this type with larger vehicles, making it a facility that will be in much demand from LCV and commercial vehicle manufacturers.
The new facility adds to the company’s cold weather testing capabilities. Its Test World site in Finland offers indoor and outdoor testing facilities with guaranteed natural snow and ice all year round.
The facility adds to its site offering that also includes a recently-opened 4WD dynamometer and variable temperature emissions chamber.