Precision And Reliability Create Quality

2023 Author: Hannah Pearcy | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-26 11:39

BIA has been a well-known name in the automotive and aviation industry for over 30 years: the company from Conflans in France develops test benches for the engine and drive train, vehicle safety and vehicle dynamics, which are distributed worldwide. The key components for the BIA transmission test benches include not only high-speed motors with efficient cooling systems, but also precise actuators in the form of linear motors. Powerful hydraulic units are also required for moving and driving large masses. Thanks to its proven cooperation with Parker Hannifin, BIA can count on high-quality components.

Wide product range convinces

In addition to a large assortment with appropriate flexibility, a high degree of precision and product quality were the decisive criteria for choosing the system partner and supplier. Parker Hannifin was able to convince BIA with a comprehensive range of control and drive technology components such as synchronous and asynchronous motors, flexible frequency converters, electromechanical linear actuators for movements with different dynamics, and the water-based cooling systems that are important for high-performance operation.

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Extensive simulations possible

In order to simulate the interaction of internal combustion engines and gearboxes, BIA relies on Parker MGV high-speed servomotors. The asynchronous direct drives to be the required at test speeds of up to 45,000 min at a power of up to 230 kW rpm ^-1 to - switch between without this purpose a mechanical transmission or a belt transmission to need. In order to achieve the highest possible precision, the motors are controlled according to speed and torque in a closed control loop. So they are suitable for test simulations of city traffic as well as racing.

A water cooling system integrated into the motor housing ensures not only compact dimensions, but also a particularly low operating noise level for servomotors in this performance class. The inline construction principle favored by BIA enables extremely compact overall dimensions to be achieved. At the same time, gearboxes can be tested with the simulation of diesel engines. The MGV motor used has a very low inertia, which simplifies the handling of the corresponding acceleration and deceleration values.

The Parker MS series asynchronous motors were developed for an output of up to 500 kW at a constant speed of 100 min ^-1. When operated with the BIA test benches, the MS motors have to cover a predominantly medium speed range without special acceleration requirements; when used at lower speeds, they are equipped with a cooling fan as required.

To control the MGV and MS motors, BIA uses the AC890 series from Parker, which are suitable for both synchronous and asynchronous motors. Due to the possibility of operating these frequency inverters either as a "motor" or "generator", a motor can take over the simulation of a diesel engine on the transmission input side. On the other hand, the motors simulate the wheels driven in real operation at the transmission outlet.

Linear motors track the shift gate

BIA relies on Parker ETT linear motors for the endurance test of the transmission, the actuation of the gear lever and the engagement of the gears. They track the H shift gate via a linkage arranged at right angles. The customer requirement for a positioning accuracy of 0.5 mm and a repeat accuracy of 0.05 mm had to be met.

To ensure optimal cooling, the MGV servo motors are combined with the Parker Hiross Hyperchill-Plus cooling systems. Thanks to closed cooling circuits, the powerful cooling systems are suitable for low-viscosity oil- or water-based fluids and are designed for areas of application from simple heat dissipation to active temperature control - for BIA, this is a core requirement for test benches for various components and assemblies in the automotive industry.

High energy efficiency saves costs

BIA test benches are flexibly and modularly configurable and thus enable practical simulation and testing of current electrical and hybrid systems. With the use of Parker AC890 frequency converters and their integrated energy recovery system, they also enable high energy efficiency, which makes them particularly environmentally friendly. The recovery creates enormous savings potential - an important requirement for many customers.

"The product portfolio and range of services convinced us when choosing Parker suppliers," explains BIA project manager Olivier Carlier. “Together, we define the required components from motors, actuators of various dynamics, drive technology and the associated cooling systems in each project in a constructive collaboration. With the range of products from control and drive technology, it is then possible to develop exactly the customer-specific simulation and test systems for our demanding customers that make up our success.”(Ud)