High-performance dynamometer systems company Sakor Technologies has recently provided a global powertrain component manufacturer with a performance test stand to validate designs for new hydraulic variable timing cam phaser systems.
The cam phaser test stand will be used to conduct research and development into engine timing designs that can improve engine fuel efficiency. Simulating an engine using an electric dynamometer enables engines to be tested in a safer and cleaner manner when compared with the conventional testing of internal combustion engines. The solution also reduces the costs and time required for cam phaser design testing.
Sakor Technologies custom-built the test system to ensure it can be used with cam phasers driven by oil pressure. It can simulate different engine designs, simulating cam torque pulses using two high-speed, low-inertia Accudyne AC dynamometers and its own DynoLAB GenV data acquisition and control system.
The system works by using a single dynamometer to drive the timing chain as if it were the engine, while the other dynamometer simulates camshaft torque pulses. A thermal chamber contains all the necessary components for testing procedures, enabling engineers to simulate temperatures ranging from -40°C to 150°C that are encountered by engines in different climates. The system is also responsible for controlling oil pressure to advance or retard the timing of the camshaft relative to the engine.
The test stand benefits from 60kW dynamometers that can operate at up to 8,500rpm to simulate engine speeds, teamed with a 235kW ultra-low-inertia dynamometer to simulate the high-frequency torque pulses found on a camshaft. It can be adjusted to accommodate an array of cam phaser designs. Sakor’s DynoLAB GenV data acquisition and control system ensures reliable and fully automated test procedures for all customer requirements.
“Sakor is dedicated to helping customers design the next generation of fuel-efficient engines in ways that do not require huge, expensive facilities to conduct testing of components,” said Sakor president Randal Beattie. “To the best of our knowledge, ours is the first system capable of simulating dynamic camshaft torque pulsing in real time and in a clean lab environment.”