Powertrain Technology Laboratory
Powertrain Technology Laboratory
ABOUT
The Powertrain Technology Laboratory (PTL) is an instructional facility within Purdue Polytechnic for teaching students the principles of internal combustion engines, electrified powertrains, and alternative fuels. Students taking courses in this lab will gain first-hand experience with running engines in a professional test cell environment. Students will post-process their data to analyze engine performance. And, students will gain experience with modeling and simulation of engines and vehicle systems using state-of-the-art software. Whether moving on to a career as a test cell engineer or moving on to a graduate degree to pursue engine research, students will gain valuable experience in the PTL to prepare for the next step.
Director
Laboratory Features
Series Hybrid Diesel Engine
Made possible by the generosity of John Deere, the PTL features a 4.5L diesel engine configured as a series hybrid system. The engine’s output shaft is coupled directly to an e-machine. The engine drives the e-machine and electrical energy generated by the e-machine is dissipated across a resistive load bank. With this setup, students have the ability to monitor engine and e-machine performance during operation. The system emulates a future powertrain that may be used on wheel loaders such as the 644K.
- Engine - 4045 series
- 480V 3ph e-machine
- PD280 inverter
- Yokogawa WT1600 power analyzer
- LEM current transducers
- Custom brake resistor cooling skid and oil cooling skid
AC Dynamometer
The PTL features an AC dynamometer for loading both diesel and gasoline engines. The dynamometer is capable of absorbing 650 hp at 2500 RPM, 300 hp at 6350 RPM, and 289 at a maximum rated speed of 6600 RPM. The AC dyno is also capable of starting the engines and providing motoring torque.
PARTNERSHIPS
We are grateful to acknowledge our sponsors and partners for their support.
