l. Purpose and Applications

Valeo uses this facility to develop engine cooling and climate control systems for automotive and heavy truck manufacturers. Testing these systems in the vehicle environment, under controlled conditions, allows Valeo engineers to optimize product performance under a wide range of operating conditions.

The wind tunnel can also be used for climatic testing of other vehicle systems, such as fuel or brakes, as well as non-vehicle applications. Valeo engineers are experienced in working with customers to develop standard or customized test programs.

2. Planning and Preparation

Working closely with the customer, Valeo engineers determine the specific instrumentation required to accomplish the customer's testing objectives. As many as 200 temperature, pressure, flow, and other parameters can be selected, as well as real-time calculations.

Wind tunnel technicians then prepare the vehicle, installing test components and the sensors (thermocouples, flowmeters, pressure transducers, fiberoptic rpm pickups, current shunts, etc.) that will interface with the data acquisition system.

3. Real-World Simulation

The simulations available for passenger cars include:

	Road loads and inclines
	Trailer towing simulation
	Idle conditions (using rapid-roll nozzle door)
	City traffic (stop and go) with programmed control of throttle, wind, brakes, and nozzle door
	Cabin cooldown, warm-up and defrost tests

Heavy trucks can be tested under full load at their horsepower and torque rating points, as well as more specialized tests.

Valeo technicians control the test through the data acquisition / control computer, and monitor all tunnel and vehicle parameters as the test progresses. Customer engineers can monitor and direct the testing from the control room.