Introduction

Perhaps no other recent project best demonstrates our design capability more than this high performance engine test facility we developed and built from the ground up to support the highest level of motorsport.

The video above highlights:

  • Our vehicle facility design/build philosophy
  • Our customer working style
  • Our proprietary measurement and control equipment

The challenge for Honda technical partner Mugen was daunting. To support Honda’s return to Formula 1 in 2015, they needed to build test cells capable of precision-tuning engines that exceed 15,000 rpm at 130 decibels in a facility not initially built for vehicle testing.

Today, the new test facility accommodates a wide variety of racing engines. Sierra’s Cadet V14 automation software manages the engine test as it simulates the race track of choice. Combustion Air Handling Units (CAHU) feed race track simulated temperature, pressure, humidity air to engine, while fuel flow is metered and all engine fluids are conditioned to precise levels. For more information about Sierra’s auto test solutions, contact us today.

Key Performance Features

  • Four new ECU mapping and driveline test cells to accommodate 1000kW engines with electric dynos up to 570kW
  • Self-sufficient in electrical power requirements during testing (on occasions is a net exporter of power to the national grid)
  • All cells are equipped with transient fuel conditioning & measurement 
  • All cells are equipped with CAHU’s for conditioning of the engine combustion intake 
  • Layout allows for removable panels for full driveline testing, including four-wheel drive by linking cells together
  • Nine fuels are piped to each cell from a fuel farm
  • Fire suppression by automatic CO2 drenching
  • Facility build allows for easy expansion for planned phase two expansion

Capability

  • Engine emissions
  • Drive-cycle simulation
  • Powertrain controls development, including hybrids
  • Transmission controls development
  • Full driveline durability
  • Engine calibration
  • Driveline dynamics/vibration
  • EV/HEV testing, battery simulation, traction motor dyno

Sierra CP Services

Sierra held a single-source contract for:

  • Facility design and build management
  • Equipment specification and manufacture, procurement and installation
  • Integration of equipment and facilities systems commissioning, and long-term maintenance and support

Sierra Equipment Used

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