Projects
Westest Adds to Vehicle Testing Capabilities
With the financial support of the Vehicle Technology Centre, Western Canada Testing (WESTEST) of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba has expanded its vehicle testing capabilities with the addition of a "tow dynamometer".
This device is attached to the rear of the vehicle to be tested, where it becomes a load control device for running various vehicle tests.
Using state-of-the-art controls which are connected to the dynamometer, it is possible to simulate road profiles taken from hills and mountains and conduct a variety of tests in the controlled and safe confines of a flat test track.
Testing applications include engine performance, drive train & transmission component evaluation, fuel efficiency, heating and cooling system analysis as well as tire testing. Production problems being encountered by vehicle manufacturers can be duplicated under controlled conditions and solutions developed and verified in the same load environment.
The tow dynamometer and the data acquisition system which accompanies it were funded in part by the Vehicle Technology Centre for the purpose of providing Manitoba industry with a tool to accelerate their product development cycle and improve their competitive advantage. The short term plan is to operate this equipment on public roads but in the long term, a test track facility is anticipated to be developed in the Winnipeg area.
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