The custom-designed Tow Dynamometer is attached to and towed by any vehicle undergoing road testing. It serves two purposes:
- When used in conjunction with PAMI’s extensive data acquisition capabilities, a range of performance data can be captured from various mechanical components as the vehicle operates under loaded conditions.
- Various loading conditions can be simulated such as hill climbing at gross vehicle weight as the vehicle operates.
State-of-the art controls connected to the Tow Dyno allow test vehicles to simulate a variety of load conditions without having to leave the safe and controlled confines of the flat test track.
As a test vehicle moves pulling the Tow Dynamometer, an air-cooled eddy current Power Absorbing Unit (PAU) converts the vehicle’s kinetic energy into heat. The DAC/PC-based control system, using closed-loop feedback control, regulates the amount of load imposed on the test vehicle depending on the control method.
The tow dynamometer can be configured to operate under a variety of control scenarios depending on evaluation requirements.
Control modes include:
- Constant velocity
- Constant load
- Constant power
- Grade simulation
Specifications
- Peak power: 375 kW (500 hp)
- Continuous power: 260 kW (350 hp)
- Peak drawbar force high-range ratio: 15,230 N (3,424 lb)
- Peak drawbar force low-range ratio: 32,000 N (7,200 lb)
- Peak speed 1:1: Ratio 120 km/h (72 mph)
- Peak speed 2.1:1 70 km/h (42 mph)
- Ballasted trailer weight: 10,224 kg (22,540 lb)
- Unballasted trailer weight: 8,047 kg (17,740 lb)
Connectivity
PAMI’s Tow Dynamometer is equipped with:
- Adjustable trailer hitch (16 to 24 inches),
- Standard gladhand air brake connections
- Standard trailer electrical connector (SAE J560b)
Controls
- Laptop computer wireless interface
- Constant speed mode
- Constant force mode
- Constant power mode
- Manual control mode
Testing Applications
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* The Tow Dynamometer is supported through co-operation with the Vehicle Technology Centre
