Horiba MIRA has opened its new US$5m (£4m) Propulsion Test and Development Centre in Nuneaton, UK. The facility was developed in response to the need for OEMs to meet ever-stringent emissions standards since the introduction of the Real Driving Emissions (RDE) test in 2017.
This state-of-the-art engine test facility offers emissions, performance and validation testing, outfitted with the latest simulation hardware, which can replicate environmental conditions such as temperature, pressure and humidity.
The inventory also includes HORIBA’s MEDAS system that simulates real-world altitude conditions for vehicle emissions testing. There’s also capabilities to perform steady-state through to high-dynamic, low-inertia dyno engine testing with emissions measurements.
Where traditionally customers have relied on on-road testing to engineer RDE-compliant propulsion systems, the center’s capabilities will essentially enable RDE evaluation with Engine in the Loop (EiL) testing in a simulated environment, covering all the RDE boundary conditions, without a vehicle.
Designed to complement Horiba MIRA’s Advanced Emissions Test Centre RDE capability, it will enable OEMs to engineer a vehicle for emissions compliance much earlier in the development cycle.
Declan Allen, MD of Horiba MIRA, said, “Recognizing the rising challenges facing our customers when it comes to engine development and meeting stringent emissions standards, we’ve invested heavily in creating our new state-of-the-art Propulsion Test and Development Centre.
“As one of very few facilities of its kind around the world, the result is the ultimate engine development lab, where businesses can have all of their performance, testing and validation needs taken care of under one roof – making the process of creating a vehicle for emissions compliance effective and efficient. We look forward to welcoming all our customers, new and existing, to take advantage of this fantastic facility.”
