Analytical Engineering, Inc. - Cold Start Testing

Altitude Testing
Super Cell simulates all of the conditions encountered on a mountain road in Colorado, with one major exception. Repeatable test cycles can be easily achieved in the test cell. Read More>

Super Cool
Engine dyno testing with low temperature capable, independent control of the intake manifold air temperature and engine coolant temperature has become increasingly important as engine performance and combustion recipes are tailored to meet low emission standards. Read More>

Engine Dyno Testing
The AEI facility, which includes ten engine dynamometer test cells, is uniquely designed to provide a research and development environment in support of a breadth of diesel engine and/or vehicle development programs. Read More>

Cold Start Engine Testing to -40 Degrees C

Two of the twelve engine test cells at AEI are dedicated to Cold Start Engine Testing. Test cell temperature can be maintained down to -40°F/C. Continuous data acquisition includes: white smoke (unburned Hydrocarbons), exhaust smoke opacity, engine speed, and several temperature and pressure channels.

▪ Temperature Capability: -40°F
▪ Cranking Capability: 2000 amps @ from 12 to 25 volts DC, can vary voltage and limit current
▪ Make-up Air Flow rate: 300 CFM
▪ Engine Combustion Air Source: Test Cell Ambient
▪ Data Acquisition Channels: Unburned Hydrocarbons, Temperatures, Pressures

Included instrumentation:
▪ 16 regular pressure channels (std. list: blowby, boost, coolant, oil)
▪ 32 temperatures
▪ Hydrocarbons
▪ Smoke opacity
▪ Starter voltage
▪ Starter current
▪ Grid heater voltage
▪ Grid heater current
▪ Data Acquisition Rate: 1 Hz or 10 Hz

Parameters routinely tuned for optimal performance in the AEI Cold Cells include:
▪ turbochargers (wastegate settings and variable geometry)
▪ common rail fuel systems
▪ injection timing events
▪ mechanical fuel systems
▪ intake air heaters
▪ cold start aids - aerosol based accelerants, ether, glow plugs
▪ block heater requirements
▪ piston designs and compression ratio requirements

Tuning for Hydraulic Load During Start and Idle
AEI offers the ability to simulate the transmission parasitic load during cranking, while the engine idles, and up through certain engine speed ranges. This setup can provide from 30 ft-lbs up to about 300 ft-lbs during engine cranking and while the engine idles. Engines coupled to equipment such as a hydrostatic transmission or hydraulic pump can only be accurately developed for cold start capability if the test cell is capable of simulating that type of load while the engine is cranking. Traditional dynos used for cold testing cannot apply adequate loads under cranking conditions. To address this development requirement, AEI has developed and installed special engine loading equipment that offers the ability to simulate the transmission parasitic load during cranking, while the engine idles, and up through certain engine speed ranges.