SAKOR has developed testing technology for hybrid and electric vehicles, and has extensive experience in both electric motor and generator testing as well as engine and powertrain testing. The DynoLAB Test Cell Control System can perform a wide variety of road load profiles and simulations, and is designed for testing to all international standards, including existing and proposed EPA, CARB, and Euro standards.

The High Voltage Battery Simulator/Testing System is suited for customers conducting research and development, performance evaluation, and durability testing of high voltage DC power systems. It can be used for testing high voltage batteries as well as simulating high voltage batteries while testing hybrid vehicle drive lines and inverter systems. The High Voltage Battery Test System is fully line regenerative, resulting in a very power efficient unit, minimizing electricity usage, lowering operating costs, and providing an extremely environmentally friendly “green” profile.

The new Small Engine AC Motoring Dynamometer is the smallest available on the market today. It is further differentiated by its ultra-low inertia properties, and ability to convert easily between horizontal and vertical orientations, accommodating either shaft orientation.

The Small Engine Dynamometer was developed specifically to meet the needs of small engine manufacturers who must now comply with engine testing procedures required by emission standards contained in 40 CFR Part 1065. This innovative machine can test both steady state and transient emissions cycles, and allows users to avoid the issues associated with larger dynamometers, such as breaking of drive-shafts or couplings.

SAKOR’s alternative energy testing systems work with a variety of alternative energy technologies, including turbines and generators powered by wind and tidal energy, and also fuel cells.

Belt noise tester to Ford. Separately, SAKOR announced that it supplied a belt noise test stand to Ford Motor Company, which the company will use to meet new SAE specifications for belt noise in vehicle Front End Accessory Drive (FEAD) applications, as well as other noise testing requirements.

The SAE J2432-2012 standard, Performance Testing of PK Section V-Ribbed Belts, covers accessory drive belt testing methods and includes test configurations, pulley diameters, power loads, and guidance for interpreting test data.

The new belt noise test stand uses a high-speed AC dynamometer system to simulate the engine, allowing testing to be performed in a clean laboratory environment without the need for the fuel, cooling, and fire suppression systems necessary for fired-engine testing. The dynamometer precisely simulates the torque pulses from engine firing, which are critical for this type of noise testing. The test stand also includes a thermal chamber as well as a water mist system to simulate a wide range of environmental conditions which are also known to have a major effect on belt noise performance.

Beyond the SAE J2432-2012 testing, the unit is also capable of creating misalignment and/or tilt to the pulleys, which can also be major contributors to engine belt noise. This allows Ford to test new formulations of rubber, new fibrous materials, or new pulley and belt shapes designed to minimize belt chirp under a wide range of environmental conditions.

According to Scott Willis, FEAD Technical Specialist at Ford (and who also leads SAE’s Belt Drive (Automotive) Systems Committee), the belt test system can be used for testing belts of any length or width, and was designed to have test capabilities over and above what is required in the SAE specification.