WIND TUNNELS FOR THE BMW GROUP

Since the ETC commenced its testing operations in January 2010, this one-of-a-kind testing facility enables the replication of the roads in the laboratory. The five test cells, consisting of three wind tunnels and two test chambers, make it possible to simulate almost all climatic conditions such as heat, cold, dampness, air pressure, solar radiation, wind, rain, and even snow. Relocating a substantial part of the latest worldwide road tests to the ETC has made the vehicle development process more efficient. It means that fewer prototypes are required since realistic and reproducible test results can be obtained at any time within this facility. The scope of MCE included:

• Steel construction for wind tunnel, altitude, and cold chamber
• Main ventilator, including peripheral devices
• Test field systems (rain simulation, snow simulation, boundary layer control, vehicle exhaust systems, etc.)
• Mechanical components (e.g., moveable guide plate, cabin access door, roller shutter, maintenance platforms, and so on)
• Vehicle transport system