4-Wheel Drive Chassis Dynamometer Test Cell

Argonne has lead responsibility for a project with the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Vehicle Technologies Program to conduct emission and energy-efficiency tests on hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), sport utility vehicles, and advanced technology vehicles. These tests require a state-of-the-art electric four-wheel-drive (4WD) chassis dynamometer in a climate-controlled environment with appropriate controls and instrumentation for highly accurate emissions and fuel measurements. This test cell was built as part of the Advanced Powertrain Research Facility.

Argonne obtained professional engineering/architectural services to assist with the preliminary design and construction documents for a world-class facility capable of benchmarking and developing the most advanced powertrains for future cars and trucks, and to have equipment ready for SULEV (super ultra low emission vehicle) and a full dilution tunnel for measurements of diesel particulate matter. The total test cell design was approximately 75% completed and the building foundation was finished in November 2000. Major equipment, such as the dynamometer, constant volume sampler, and emission bench, was ordered and built. A grand opening ceremony was held November 15, 2002.

The 4WD dynamometer test cell has been correlated with other established test laboratories with three different test vehicles. Since its opening, a number of hybrids, trucks, advanced diesels, and hydrogen blend fueled vehicles have been tested in the APRF 4WD dynamometer facility.

Facility Specifications

• Dynamometer
  • 4WD capable from 90- to 180-inch wheelbase
  • 250-hp, 14,000-lb inertia emulation
  • Modes: road load, speed mode, coastdown
• Test Cell
  • Large 26,000-cfm test cell climate control with 150-ton cooling
  • 150-kW DC bus feed for motors and battery connections
  • Hydrogen fuel feed from outside storage integrated with 2-range mass measurement system
  • Custom data acquisition control designed for flexibility and analysis of advanced vehicles
• Emissions
  • Gasoline, diesel, hydrogen, and natural gas
  • Capable of resolving emissions from SULEV vehicles
  • Full dilution tunnel for diesel vehicles
  • Fast response 2-channel THC and NOx analyzers
  • Filtered and dehumidified dilution air (HC < 1ppm, H2O < 10 grains/lb)