Research & development in winter conditions

Natural snow quality

During the development of the snow column, special attention was paid to the required snow particle size. The meticulous work involved in the process resulted in a snow nozzle which allows a realistic simulation of the properties of natural snow. The risk of inadequate test results is therefore minimized thanks to consistent snow quality and predictable weather conditions. Reproducibility is guaranteed, including at the shortest possible time intervals. This also improves the environmental footprint of the product overall.

Technology with the flexibility to adapt to the relevant needs

The outstanding feature of the special nozzle is the optimum balance in the mixture of water and air which freezes to form snow particles within a very short distance. The predefined amount of water shoots out of the nozzles at a temperature of 0°C directly into the cold air stream in the wind tunnel. The nozzles can be adjusted manually in all directions, allowing the snow to be aimed directly at the target object and enabling the required snow concentration in the wind. The nozzle is mounted on the robust body of a snow column, which can be flexibly extended by several nozzles. The settings are therefore adapted to the test in any given case and this flexibility means that the test team no longer needs to adapt to the environment.

Assembled in just 15 minutes and reliable operation

Special attention was paid during the development process to enabling simple and rapid assembly and disassembly. Thanks to the lightweight construction and the plug & play principle, the snow columns can be mounted on the adapters provided at the bottom of the wind tunnel within 15 minutes. The base can be rotated through 360°.

The snow column is fitted with heaters and temperature sensors and regulates its temperature itself. This guarantees perfect operation even in extreme temperatures or in case of sudden interruptions.

Testing components under snow load

The various development teams are often more concerned with optimizing individual components than with the vehicle as a whole, which is only of secondary importance to them. TechnoAlpin is the first company in the world to allow the imitation of natural snowfall in a closed room. The system is cleverly designed to mimic nature with snowflakes fluttering down onto all kinds of different components. Various analyses can then be carried out, such as how certain components behave under large snow deposits.

It takes next to no time for powdery snow to settle on various surfaces. The tests can be of any length and can be repeated as often as necessary. Objects are therefore analyzed in different positions, or the function of the components are tested under layers of snow of different thicknesses. Examples include the extension of the rear spoiler or the operation of the windshield wipers.

Winter tests all year round

Snow and cold temperatures pose very real challenges for products and components, especially in the automotive industry where winter tests have already involved a lot of input and outlay. The solutions cleverly thought up by TechnoAlpin make it possible to run various test scenarios in climatic wind tunnels or cold chambers – and to do so 365 days a year regardless of outdoor conditions in a way which saves resources.