Controlled extreme conditions
Testing is performed under precisely defined and repeatable environmental extremes.
High Altitude & Climate Test Bench
Reproducible testing under extreme environmental conditions – enabling reliable engine development for global markets
High-altitude and climate test benches are sealed, specialized chambers that replicate extreme environmental conditions — such as reduced air pressure, temperature variations, and humidity — to assess the performance, emission conformity and robustness of engines or other applications.
In engine development, reproducible measurement results under extreme conditions are increasingly critical. As powertrain systems face different environmental conditions across global markets, rising system complexity and tighter emission and efficiency requirements demand precise and repeatable test environments. High‑altitude and climate testing provides reliable, comparable data and ensures stable performance, durability, emissions, and drivability—from cold regions to high‑altitude and hot‑climate environments - allowing engine behavior to be validated with confidence.
In addition, the high-altitude and climate test bench can be used for HVAC system and cabin thermal comfort development or material investigations under extreme ambient conditions.
“Our high altitude and climate test bench covers a large spectrum of possible test scenarios. Stationary testing alone is not sufficient to evaluate real engine behavior. Transient and customer‑specific driving cycles provide critical insights into dynamics, calibration robustness and drivability under realistic operating conditions.”
Josef Schäffler
Senior Expert, Propulsion Engineering
High Altitude & Climate Test Bench at a glance
| General Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Max. Altitude | 5000m (540mbar) |
| Temperature | -30°C / +50°C |
| Humidity abs. | 24g/kg Rel .: 5-95% @ T 10°C - 28°C |
| Performance | 500kW |
| Torque | 2800Nm/3100Nm peak |
| Max. speed | 8000U/min |
What types of tests can be performed at the High Altitude & Climate Test Bench?
Engine performance testing
Power, torque, and efficiency are measured accurately across varying altitude and climate conditions.Emissions & fuel consumption measurement
Emissions behavior and fuel usage are recorded precisely under reproducible extreme environmental.HVAC & cabin thermal comfort
Individual test cycles can be customized to meet specific customer or application requirements.Stationary Tests
Engines can be evaluated at steady‑state operating points under defined altitude and climate conditions.Transient driving cycles
Dynamic load and speed profiles simulate real‑world driving behavior under controlled environmental conditions.Customer-specific cycles
Individual test cycles can be customized to meet specific customer or application requirements.Emission Measurement Equipment
State-of-the-art emission analysis systems are integrated into the test bench, including:
- COH/CO2 -Analyzer
- COL-Analyzer
- CO2-EGR –Analyzer
- CO2-Analyzer
- THC-Analyzer Heated
- NO, NO2 u. NOx -Dual Detector (Analyzer heated)
- Accuracy class 1% full scale or 2% of reading
- Sampling rate1 Hz
- FTIR
- AVL Particle Counter
- AVL Micro Soot
Additional measurement and analysis equipment can be integrated on request to meet specific customer or project requirements.
What are the key benefits of the High Altitude and Climate Test Bench?
Reduced field testing
Many real‑world scenarios can be simulated in the lab, minimizing costly and time‑consuming field tests.
Faster development cycles
Early and efficient validation accelerates development and decision‑making.
Reproducible results
Consistent test conditions ensure reliable, comparable results across tests and development phases.
FAQs – about High Altitude and Climate Test Bench
What temperature, humidity and altitude ranges can be simulated?
The facility supports temperatures from –30 °C to +50 °C, simulated altitudes up to 5,000 meters (540 mbar), and regulated humidity levels, including up to 95% relative humidity at temperatures below 28 °C. These ranges cover the majority of extreme climates encountered in global vehicle operation.
What types of tests can be performed under extreme conditions?
The test bench supports stationary and transient test programs, including standard driving cycles and customer-specific profiles. Comprehensive measurements of engine performance, fuel consumption, emissions, and electrical parameters can be performed, with flexible integration of additional measurement equipment as required.
Why is high altitude and climate testing essential for global use?
High‑altitude and climate testing is essential for global use because it enables reliable validation of products under controlled environmental extremes. It delivers reproducible test results, reduces reliance on costly and time‑consuming field tests, and ensures proven performance across worldwide operating conditions. In addition, standardized testing supports compliance with regulatory standards and customer requirements, building confidence in global product readiness.