Small Climatic Chamber

The ACE Small Climatic Chamber (SCC) is a dynamic testing space suitable for many different sectors. Due to its broad range of climatic capabilities, it is ideal for test factors such as temperature, humidity, and precipitation. The ACE facility is expertly designed to connect our primary climatic chambers through an inter-chamber door. This permits the insertion of a test bench to create a 'three-chamber' mode that includes the SCC, Large Climatic Chamber (LCC) and our Climatic Aerodynamic Wind Tunnel (CAWT).

Sectors

ACE's climatic chambers are suitable for many different sectors. Any product, component or idea that needs climatic validation or testing will find significant value in this chamber.

Examples of tests conducted in the Small Climatic Chamber include:

Cold or hot starts for vehicles
Human trial tests
Humidity and moisture testing
Material testing and product validation in extreme temperature

Key Features

Space to accommodate two vehicles side-by-side
Temperature from -40ºC to +60ºC and relative humidity from 5 per cent to 95 per cent
Precipitation capabilities including rain, freezing rain, and snow
350 kW DC Fast Charger
Inter-chamber door to large climate chamber, which permits the insertion of a test bench to effect a 'three-chamber' mode
Directly linked to climatic wind tunnel via dry-transfer area
Complete suite of ancillary systems for customer vehicle operation, including hydrogen and electric vehicle compatibility

350 kW DC Fast Charger

ABB Fast Charger in SCC

ACE recently introduced the 350-kilowatt, 500-amp modular DC Fast Charger, which permits faster charging with the capability to operate in a temperature-controlled environment in three of its five chambers, including the Small Climatic Chamber. As the future of the automotive industry progresses, ACE provides OEMs access to a world-class research facility that will actively assist in guiding this sector towards the development of electric vehicles.

Precipitation Testing

Transformer and Rain Rig in SCC

The precipitation capabilities at ACE are limitless. We have the equipment to make and validate various forms of precipitation and we have the tools and techniques necessary to understand and characterize it. Our configurable system allows us to match any testing requirements.

Specifications of the Small Climatic Chamber

Test Section Features
Thermal Performance Specifications
350 kW DC Fast Charger Specifications
AC Mobile Charger Specifications

Overall dimensions	Length: 9 metres Width: 6 metres Height: 5.5 metres
Vehicle entry clearance	3.68 metres wide x 4.49 metres high to outside 4.26 metres wide x 4.49 metres high to transfer area
Inter-chamber door clearance	Width: 2.01 metres Height: 2.01 metres
Passive exhaust extraction	Garage-type
In-chamber power	Outlets for plug-in vehicles

Thermal performance chart

Other performance:

Maximum cooling rate: +60ºC to -40ºC in six hours
Temperature uniformity: σ = 0.17ºC (tested at 20ºC)

Specifications	Terra HP 350
Max Power Output	350kW peak 320 kW continuous
AC Input Voltage Range	UL: 3-phase, 480Y/277 V AC +/- 10% (60% Hz) CSA: 3-phase, 600 V AC +/- 10% (60% Hz)
AC Input Connection	L1, L2, L3, GND (no neutral)
Nominal Input Current and Input Power Rating	UL: 2 x 231 A, 384 kVa CSA: 370 A, 384 kVa
Recommended Upstream Circuit Breaker(s)	UL: 2 x 300 A CSA: 2 x 250 A
Power Factor	> 0.97
Current THD	IEEE 519 Compliant; <8%; option for 5%
DC Output Current	500 A CCS-1 200 A CHAdeMO
Efficiency	95% at full load

Charger/EVSE	Location	Output	Capacity	Charging Protocol
Power Charge EX-1193 EVSE (Two Available)	Mobile	208-250 VAC 89A Continuous	19.2 kW	SAE J1772
Clipper Creek DS-100 EVSE	Mobile	240 VAC 32A Continuous	7.2 kW	SAE J1772

Frequently Asked Questions

We are interested in academic research support for our project. Can ACE help facilitate this?
ACE is a Core Research Facility of Ontario Tech University. This provides us with a unique capability to bring together industry, academics and potential funding for projects. Contact us to start the conversation about research collaboration.
We are concerned about Intellectual Property. Does ACE have the required security to keep my IP safe?
Yes, ACE has many security procedures and protocols and is Controlled Goods certified (for Canadian defence testing) so we are well-versed in working with our clients to maintain security and IP. We have many years of experience working to implement security while you are on site. We can also collaborate with you on any additional safety and security requirements you may have.
We require additional space for production and storage needs. Is there any available on site?

Yes, ACE features three high-security garage bays that are available for use throughout testing. Garage bays come equipped with a hoist and tools and requires badged access for the highest level of security and privacy. This space is subject to availability at the time of testing.