Turbo charger testing and consultancy
Imperial’s unique turbine testing facilities provide steady and unsteady performance testing, with consulting services also offering custom analysis and design.
Unique facilities with wider test range
Using a state-of-the-art eddy dynamometer designed and developed at Imperial, the facility has a much wider test range than if the loading device was a traditional compressor.
This wider test range covers power consumption from 60kW to 500W at full speed. The turbine maps that can be obtained typically cover a range almost five times the width of standard maps, with a velocity ratio ranging from 0.3 to 1.1.
Consulting expertise
The Imperial facilities offer a lot more than just testing equipment. The team are available for consultancy through all stages of the process, from the design of novel turbo machinery components to expert analysis of the results.
Knowledge of various software modelling packages, including Star-CD, CFX, Ricardo WAVE and a bespoke in-house code for gas dynamics calculations (ONDAS), gives the facility the advantage of combining experiments and computations to provide a uniquely comprehensive service.
Emerging technologies
Imperial’s position at the cutting edge of new technology research is reflected in the expertise available to users of the turbine testing facility. Advanced and novel technologies for energy efficient engines being developed at Imperial include active flow control and electric turbo-assisted technologies. The team also have expertise in electrification and downsizing of turbochargers, increasing the engine efficiency to reduce the size.
The Imperial turbine testing facility has been used by many of the world’s leading turbocharger and original engine manufacturers, including:
- ABB Turbo Systems
- BorgWarner
- Caterpillar
- Ford
- Honeywell Turbo Technologies
- Honda R&D
- Cummins Turbo Technologies
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
- Ricardo Plc
With over 20 years’ experience working with industry, the researchers at Imperial’s turbine testing facility will ensure a professional, effective service.
