The PTL has been designed with unique infrastructure to accommodate the testing of future automotive technologies. A list of laboratory infrastructure is provided below.
Combustion Supply Air
The PTL provides 1000 CFM of combustion supply air. Supply temperature may be adjusted to 55-120 deg F with +/- 3 deg F controllability. Combustion supply air is MERV 14 filtered.
Scavenging Exhaust System
The PTL includes a scavenging exhaust system to prevent accumulation of fumes and exhaust gases. The scavenging exhaust system pulls a constant 1500 CFM from the room, resulting in one air exchange every 7 minutes.
Test Cell Ventilation Air
The PTL has a ventilation system that provides scavenging makeup air and additional, conditioned air to maintain a test cell temperature between 70-75 deg F. The ventilation air is MERV 8 filtered.
Engine Exhaust Ducts
Two 10" schedule 40 steel ducts route exhaust gases to the roof of DUDL.
Gas Monitoring
CO, and NO2 sensors are mounted in the test cell to detect exhaust leaks. A hydrocarbon sensor is also located in the test cell to avoid flammable gas accumulation.
Process Cooling Water
The PTL has a dedicated PCW loop that exchanges heat with the campus chilled water system. The PCW supply pressure is 50 psig with temperature setpoint between 52-65 deg F and +/- 3 deg F controllability. There are six PCW drops throughout the lab: 2" NPT 16 GPM, 2" NPT 16 GPM, 1" NPT 5 GPM, 1" NPT 5 GPM, 1.5" NPT 4 GPM.
Electrical
The PTL has standard 120VAC and 480VAC 3-phase power available throughout the lab. There is also a dedicated junction box for future high voltage DC needs.
Overhead Crane
An overhead crane allows for ease of moving/swapping engines and other powertrain equipment.
Building Automation System
A building automation system interface allows users to control test cell temperature, combustion supply air temperature, and PCW supply temperature.
Fire Safety
Heat sensors above the engines detect fire and tie into the building's fire alarm system and activate the 3 sirens/strobes in the engine test cell. There are e-stops in the test cell and control room which cut airflow to the test cell in the event of a fire. Also, each engine in the test cell has a dedicated e-stop system which activates by push-button or by activation of alarm state reported by the hydrocarbon sensor.