Arrangement for simulating an environment for testing a component

Abstract

The arrangement 10 comprises a thermoelectric device 14 with two dielectric plates (15(a), 15(b)) and two fans (16(a), 16(b)) connected to each of the dielectric plates (15(a) / 15(b)) and a voltage point for receiving a voltage. The arrangement 10 comprises a plurality of thermoelectric devices 14 connected via a communication means such that at least one device 14 is positioned near the component 12 to be tested and the plurality of thermoelectric devices 14 are supplied with a voltage to generate a temperature required for testing the component 12.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for simulating an environment for testing a component of an engine / vehicle and a corresponding method. Background of the invention

[0002] Testing an engine / vehicle component requires visiting various locations to understand and analyze its performance. Automotive testing certainly includes various climate tests with controlled temperature and humidity. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) spend millions on multiple trips to locations such as Jaisalmer, Leh, Manali, and Ooty to conduct vehicle validation tests under different environmental conditions. Transporting prototype vehicles, personnel, and equipment to these locations is a logistical and financial burden. If the test team misses a season due to unforeseen circumstances, the project is stalled; for example, OEMs were unable to undertake summer test trips in 2020 due to the lockdown. While cold and heat chambers exist that can modulate environmental conditions, these are expensive and only available at select locations worldwide.

[0003] A technical paper reveals a concept for the "effect of different heat transfer models on a diesel engine with homogeneous charge compression ignition." Homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) technology is relatively new and, compared to conventional engines, not yet sufficiently mature for commercial use. It can utilize engine configurations with both spark and compression ignition, leveraging the advantages of both variants: high engine efficiency with low emissions. However, the combustion behavior in an HCCI engine is difficult to predict because it lacks a spark plug or fuel injector. The mechanism of chemical kinetics influences combustion, resulting in some heat losses at the cylinder wall. The effects of different heat loss models in an HCCI diesel engine require further investigation. Brief description of the enclosed drawings Fig. Figure 1 shows an environmental simulation setup for testing a vehicle / engine component according to an embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of the embodiments

[0004] Fig.Figure 1 illustrates an environmental simulation setup for testing a component according to an embodiment of the invention. The setup 10 comprises a thermoelectric device 14 with two dielectric plates (15(a), 15(b)) and two fans (16(a), 16(b)) connected to each of the dielectric plates (15(a) / 15(b)), and a voltage point for receiving a voltage. The setup 10 comprises a plurality of the thermoelectric devices 14 connected via a communication means such that at least one device 14 is positioned near the component 12 to be tested and the plurality of the thermoelectric devices 14 are supplied with a voltage to generate a temperature required for testing the component 12.

[0005] The construction of the arrangement 10 and its components 12 are explained in more detail. The two dielectric plates (15(a), 15(b)) are arranged opposite each other in the thermoelectric device 14. When the voltage from the voltage source 21 is applied to the device 14, one plate 15(a) generates heat and the other plate 15(b) generates cold due to the Peltier effect. The device 14 includes two fans (16(a), 16(b)) mounted on each dielectric plate (15(a), 15(b)). The fans (16(a), 16(b)) assist in dissipating the cold / hot air generated by the thermoelectric device 14. The heating side of the device 14 further comprises a rib structure 25, which is arranged between the dielectric plate 15(b) and the blower 16(b), so that the heat generated by the device 14 is dissipated to the atmosphere via the ribs 25 and the blower 15(b).

[0006] The arrangement 10 comprises a control unit 18, which is suitable for supplying a corresponding voltage from the voltage source 21 to each of the at least one thermoelectric device 14 and for controlling at least one operating condition of the thermoelectric devices 14. According to one embodiment of the invention, the voltage source 21 is a vehicle battery. The voltage from the battery is supplied to the plurality of thermoelectric devices 14 to generate the hot / cold temperatures / air around the device 14.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the invention, component 12 relates to a vehicle in the automotive sector. The arrangement 10 of the thermoelectric device 14 is positioned near each required component 12 of the vehicle to be tested. For example, if three components 12 are present in a vehicle, each to be tested in different environments, three thermoelectric devices 14 are used, with each device 14 positioned near the respective component. A connection is established between the control unit 18 and the three devices 14, so that the required voltages to be supplied by the voltage source 21 are routed accordingly. The plurality of thermoelectric devices 14 are positioned at several locations near the components 12 to be tested in the vehicle and are connected to the control unit 18.The control unit 18 takes into account the time required to test the component 12 in the relevant environment. The devices 14 are connected via the communication means, which is further connected to the control unit 18, wherein the communication means is selected from a group of communication means that includes a wired communication means or a wireless communication means such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, an infrared means, ZigBee and the like.

[0008] The arrangement 10 further comprises a hose 20 connected to one side of the thermoelectric device 14 to discharge the heat / cooling air coming from the device 14. The hose 20 is connected to a cooler side 22 to discharge the cold air into the atmosphere when the component 12 requires a high-temperature test environment. Furthermore, in the arrangement 10, the hose 20 is connected to a hotter side 24 of the device 10 to discharge the hot air into the atmosphere when the component 12 requires a cold-temperature test environment. The hose 20 is a long structure with an opening at each end to receive the hot / cold air and redirect / discharge it through a further opening. The hose 20 can be selected from any type of elongated structure, such as a tube, a cylindrical structure, and the like.The hose 20 is removable and the hose 20 is dimensioned to enclose the blower 16(a) / 16(b) which is located on the device 14.

[0009] The arrangement 10 further comprises at least one outlet 26 that connects the corresponding hoses 20 of the plurality of devices 14 in order to discharge cool / hot air into the atmosphere during the testing of the components 12 in the vehicle. According to one embodiment of the invention, the arrangement 10 comprises two outlets 26 for connecting all hot air discharges of the devices 14 while the component 12 is in the test phase, and a further outlet 26 for collecting all cold air discharges of the devices 14 while the component 12 is in the test phase.

[0010] One mode of operation of the arrangement will now be explained in more detail. The basic operating principle is the "Peltier effect." When voltage is applied from a voltage source 20, the thermoelectric device 14 develops a hot side 24 on one plate 15(b) and a cold side 22 on another plate 15(b) due to the Peltier effect. Depending on the component 12 to be tested and the required hot or cold environment, the thermoelectric device 14 is positioned near the component 12. For example, if the component 12 under test requires a cool environment, the cool side 22 of the thermoelectric device 14 is positioned near the component. In this case, the hot air discharged from the hot side 24 of the thermoelectric device 14 is collected by a hose 20 connected to the device's blower 16(b), and the hot air from the hose 20 is released into the atmosphere.

[0011] In a further embodiment, if more than one component 12 needs to be tested and the corresponding devices 14 are positioned near each of the components 12, and the environment to be tested is predominantly cold air, the other side of each device 14, which dissipates heat, is connected to the outlet 26 via the hose 20, so that all the heat collected by each of the devices 14 is released into the atmosphere. In this setup, the control unit 18 varies and supplies the required voltage from the voltage source 21 to each of the devices 14 to create the cool environment in which the component 12 is to be tested.

[0012] In another case, if the components 12 require a hot environment, the devices 14 are positioned with their hot side 24 near each of the corresponding environment. The cool side 22, which exhausts the cool air, is collected via the hose 20 in the outlet 26 and released into the atmosphere. In this setup, the control unit 18 adjusts or varies the voltage supplied to each device 14 from the voltage source 21 to generate the hot environment. By adjusting / varying the voltage, the control unit 18 can generate a temperature in the range of -5 degrees to 70 degrees.

[0013] With this arrangement, the components 12 can be tested in one location without having to be moved, thereby reducing logistics and the number of personnel required to perform the tests. The present invention offers a cost-effective and efficient solution. It enables on-site calibration and component validation, eliminating the need to visit different locations with varying thermal conditions. Furthermore, it serves as a retrofit solution for existing test equipment. The arrangement 10 also includes an intelligence module (not shown) in the control unit 18 for synchronizing the test status and data in real time.The arrangement described above can be used for integration regardless of the type of vehicle propulsion or vehicle category (BEV, PHEV, ICE) and offers a solution that is not dependent on uncertain climatic changes, which often affect project delivery stages.

[0014] It is understood that the embodiments described above serve only for illustration and do not limit the scope of the invention. Many such embodiments and other modifications and changes to the embodiment described are conceivable. The scope of the invention is limited only by the scope of the claims.

Claims

[1] Environment simulation setup (10) for testing a component (12), wherein the setup (10) comprises: - a thermoelectric device (14) with two dielectric plates (15(a), 15(b)) and two blowers (16(a), 16(b)) connected to each of the dielectric plates (15(a) / 15(b)), a voltage point for receiving a voltage; characterized by , that: - a plurality of the thermoelectric devices (14) is connected via a communication means, such that at least one device (14) is positioned near the component (12) to be tested and the plurality of the thermoelectric devices (14) is supplied with a voltage to generate a temperature required to test the component (12). [2] Arrangement (10) according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement (12) comprises a control unit (18) which is suitable to supply a corresponding voltage from a voltage source (21) for each of the at least one thermoelectric device (14) and to control at least one operating condition of the thermoelectric devices (14). [3] Arrangement (10) according to claim 1, wherein the component (12) relates to a vehicle in the automotive sector. [4] Arrangement (10) according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement (10) comprises a hose (20) which is connected to one side of the thermoelectric device (14) to carry away the heat / cooling air coming from the device (14). [5] Arrangement (10) according to claim 4, wherein the hose (20) is connected to a cooler side (22) for venting the cold air into the atmosphere when the component (12) requires a test environment with higher temperatures. [6] Arrangement (10) according to claim 4, wherein the hose (20) is connected to a hotter side (24) of the device (14) to discharge the hot air into the atmosphere when the component (12) requires a test environment with cold temperatures. [7] Arrangement (10) according to claims 1 and 3, wherein the plurality of thermoelectric devices (14) are positioned at several locations near the components (12) to be tested in the vehicle and are connected to the control unit (18). [8] Arrangement (10) according to claim 7, wherein at least one outlet (26) is provided which connects the corresponding hoses (20) of the plurality of devices (14) to discharge cool / hot air to the atmosphere during testing of the components (12) in the vehicle.

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