In principle this system consists of two climate-controlled chambers, the technological components of the laboratory, and the measurement system. Both chambers are mutually independent calorimeters in which both the temperature and humidity can be completely controlled. Another essential requirement for the cooling system is the motor which drives the compressor. This drive system is located outside the chambers in the technological part of the laboratory, and the compressor itself is located in the exterior chamber. This arrangement is a realistic simulation of the actual location of the individual components of a real cooling system.
The different operating conditions are simulated by setting the required values for air flow, temperature and humidity. These parameters can be set independently of each other with a high degree of accuracy, while still leaving sufficient power for cooling and heating in view of potential heat gain/loss in the tested systems. In view of the strict requirements for the accuracy of measurement and regulation, the air circuit is a closed system. This solution also necessary in certain settings for dehumidification or extreme humidification. All these parameters are controlled by a fully automated control system; the operator only needs to set the required values for the controlled parameters via the PC user interface.
Basic system parameters:
Exterior chamber
Internal chamber dimensions: 3 x 2 x 2 m (W x D x H)
Temperature range: -20 to 100 °C
Air flow range at 20 °C: 400 – 4000 m3/h
Air temperature range for humidity control: 15 – 50 °C
Relative humidity control range: 15 – 50 % RH
Temperature change rate: min. 0.5 K/min
Total heating output: 15.6 kW
Total refrigeration output: 17.5 kW
Total heat loss in one chamber at -40 °C (or 100 °C): 1.2 kWW
Interior chamber
Internal chamber dimensions: 3 x 2 x 2 m (W x D x H)
Temperature range: -20 to 70 °CC
Air flow range at 20 °C: 90 – 900 m3/h
Air temperature range for humidity control: 15 – 60 °C
Relative humidity control range: 15 – 90 % RH
Temperature change rate: min. 0.5 K/min
Total heating output: 8.1 kW
Total refrigeration output: 7.5 kW