The VTflX is a high-precision measuring device for measuring the compressor intake air-flow of the turbocharger on hot gas test benches. KRATZER AUTOMATION has now revised and improved the component and opened it for further applications, for example on fuel cell test benches.
Variable Venturi VTflX - for flow measurement of compressor intake air
The measuring device is based on a Venturi geometry with adjustable active cross-section and is a joint development of KRATZER AUTOMATION AG and sa-charging solutions. To better meet the requirements of the everyday test bench operations, we made use of the advantages of the differential pressure-based measuring systems such as orifice plates, nozzles, and Venturis and at the same time significantly increase the measuring range by means of variability.
Robustness, reproducibility and error propagation on the turbocharger test bench with VTflX
On turbocharger test benches for passenger car, light, and heavy-duty applications, the robust measurement of compressor mass flows is a crucial element for determining the turbine efficiency using the turbocharger main equation. The required robustness is as positively influenced by the use of the variable Venturi VTflX as the reproducibility and error propagation in the overall system.
VTflX versus classic orifice plate
The measuring system we developed is equal in robustness, accuracy, and repeatability than standard flow orifices, and additionally achieves a significantly higher turndown ratio of up to 1:50. This measurement range covers the requirements of radial compressors during turbocharger mapping very well. Internal comparisons with thermal or ultrasonic-based measurement systems show that our VTflX measurement device has clear advantages in terms of dynamic, raw signal stability, and accuracy.
Higher availability - lower calibration costs
The improved long-term stability compared to other volume flow measurement systems enables increased test bench availability in daily operation, while at the same time reducing maintenance and calibration costs. Using the variable Venturi VTflX, the calibration needs are limited to the pressure and temperature probes and can be carried out on-site. Thus, the measurement device does not need to be returned to the manufacturer for calibration tasks.
Open to the future - VTflX provides potential beyond hot gas test benches
In the first step, the focus of design and functional implementation was on the application of turbocharger test benches and there especially on the compressor intake side. However, we clearly see the potential for applications beyond hot gas test benches. There are advantages for all testing tasks and implementation where high demands on accuracy and repeatability occur. For example, this applies to component test benches (fuel cells, flow benches for cylinder heads, etc.) and additionally as a reference for engine air intake charge determination models.
https://www.kratzer-automation.com/testsystems/en/test-bench-solutions/turbocharger/venturi-tube/
About KRATZER AUTOMATION:
For more than 35 years KRATZER AUTOMATION has been supplying process-oriented software solutions for the international automotive industry and the transport industry in Europe. KRATZER AUTOMATION has more than 370 employees in Munich, Stuttgart, Kassel and Wolfsburg. The company is internationally active with its own companies in China, the USA, France, Great Britain and the Czech Republic.
In the business field Test Systems KRATZER AUTOMATION plans, realizes and modernizes test systems for engines, turbochargers, gearboxes and other drive components.
Press contact:
KRATZER AUTOMATION AG
Jens Isenbeck
Leitung Marketing & Presse
Gutenbergstr. 5
85716 Unterschleissheim
Germany
Tel.: +49-(0)89-32152-521
Fax: +49-(0)-89-32152-599
E-Mail: ka-info(at)ni.com
Internet: www.kratzer-automation.com
