Sim Chamber
Sustainable and climate-friendly drive technology is characterized by using various technologies such as batteries, hydrogen, fuel technology and biofuels. The best effective and economical drive alternative must always be determined out in consideration of the respective device, the use case - such as hand-held - and the operational area. Especially in the case of hand-held power tools, the weight and thermal conditions of the operating location must be taken into account when developing tools and fuels. One thing is clear: e. g. the chainsaw with biofuel should work safely - no matter where it's used in the world.
IEEM and IKKU developed an environmental simulation chamber for testing the performance of small engines and biofuels
This research project focused on developing customized bio-engine gasolines especially for the use in small engines, such as hand-held tools. The bio-engine fuel is to be produced using up to 100% renewable raw materials, in contrast to currently available engine fuels, which are based completely on fossil raw materials. Before launching new biofuels to the market, they must be investigated and evaluated with regard to their ecological, economic and performance suitability.
Approach
It is particularly important to investigate and test the suitability of hand-held devices in common climatic conditions (e.g. for timber harvesting in winter) as well as in high altitudes (e.g. working in mountains). Accordingly, it is essential to consider a wide range of user-relevant environmental conditions worldwide (various climate zones and geodetic heights). The University developed an engine test bench with a climate/altitude chamber for this purpose, in which temperature, pressure and humidity can be conditioned. So, engine tests can be carried out in conditions ranging from arctic cold to tropical heat. Various altitudes (from 0 m to 3000 m above sea level) can also be simulated in the test cell measuring 6 m³.
Technical specifications
| Min. simulation pressure | 650 mbar abs. (ca. 3.500 m ü.NN) |
| Max. simulation pressure | 1.000 mbar abs. (ca. 0 m ü.NN) |
| Pressure stability | +/- 1,5 mbar |
| Min. temperature | -28 °C |
| Max. temperature | +45 °C |
| Temperature stability | +/- 1 °C |
| Max. mass flow rate | 340 kg/h |
| Gradient rate | 7.500 m/min |
| Test chamber dimensions (HxWxD) | 900 mm x 900 mm x 1.200 mm |
Objective
The aim of the project was to conduct emission investigations using the developed fuel compositions in small engines and to work out technological innovation potentials. These include, for example, a reduction in emissions resulting from an extension of the combustion limits or from higher knock resistance aa well as from a lower tendency to self-ignition.
Key data
Karlsruhe
Institute of Energy Efficient Mobility (IEEM)
Moltkestr. 30
76133 Karlsruhe
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Institute of Energy Efficient Mobility (IEEM)
Postfach 2440
76012 Karlsruhe