Bath University adopts CLEVeR approach to vehicle testing

The dynamometer allows vehicles to be analysed in a series of real world driving conditions, giving researchers accurate, repeatable analysis of vehicle performance.

The new facility will allow academic researchers and the automotive industry to carry out emission measurements for vehicles, ensuring that the cars out on the open road are not different to those established by traditional laboratory analysis. This is essential with EU targets for automotive emissions demanding a 40% reduction in CO₂ by 2021, based on 2007 levels.

The dynamometer’s extensive capabilities will allow significant progress in automotive research. Hybrid vehicles can also be examined using the dynamometer, with two power supply racks for battery emulation, giving faster analysis with highly repeatable results in a safe environment.

The dynamometer will allow analysis using a 6 axis CP Engineering robot driver that can be programmed to perform using a range of driving methods as driver behavior can have a significant impact on the fuel efficiency and emissions of vehicles. Additionally, the facility will analyse vehicle performance at a range of temperatures, from -10ºC through to +50ºC, and allows for the analysis of emissions when four-wheel drive functions are used.