Specialist engineering consultancy Drive System Design (DSD) has upgraded its test capability with new equipment, including a 3E driveline test rig
Housed within a purpose-built facility, the reconfigurable 3E rig provides bespoke test capability up to 310kW input for customers developing in-line transmissions, rear axles, front-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive transaxle assemblies.
“The expansion of DSD’s test facility is the next step in our continually evolving offering,” said Rob Oliver, DSD chief engineer test and development (pictured).
“We now have six test cells that can house a range of equipment. We also individually-sourced components for the 3E rig and assembled it inhouse. This ensures maximum flexibility for our customers.”
The regenerative rig, which can be run in 3E or 2E configuration (below), enables DSD to test a range of driveline set-ups with varying power and torque levels.
In 3E configuration, the rig supplies one 310kW input and two 126kW outputs, with short duration capability of 465Nm. This is higher rated than conventional equipment of this type and is suitable for most production passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. Its added flexibility enables tests to run with power flowing in both directions to provide wider test conditions. These can include simulation of under-load environments that replicate steep descents or extreme engine braking.
In 2E arrangement the rig can still provide a transient 190kW, or sustained 125kW capacity. It is traditionally used to test rear-wheel drive in-line transmissions and can also simulate descents and engine braking.
“Our test facility’s capability provides a cost effective and flexible provision for customers, and enables a quick turnaround of driveline testing and validation many of our existing clients have already expressed interest in using the new facilities,” said Oliver.
“We regularly act as an in-house test department for vehicle manufacturers, and we can absorb overspill from congested facilities.”
DSD’s spin rig (below) capability has been heightened with the addition of two further rigs recently purchased from an F1 team. The company is to re-specify the high speed equipment to enable the testing of high velocity, low-torque drag loss measurements on electric vehicle transmissions. The new rigs will compliment DSD’s comprehensive wet clutch and synchronizer test equipment.
April 15, 2015
