Heat dissipation analysis of UTHM chassis dynamometer

Abstract

Chassis dynamometer, as available in UTHM’s automotive laboratory, are suitable for measuring torque and power produce by a vehicle; the reading produced are indicative of the vehicle’s performance on the road, considering the losses due to friction in the mechanical components. A major problem that could affect the dynamometer readings accuracy is the high temperature reached by the system after prolong usage. This is due to excessive heat produced at high operational loads. Thus a study was done to determine whether enough heat dissipation can be achieved at maximum operation load. This project seeks to improve the cooling efficiency of the dynamometer cooling system though several means. Firstly, the piping system was reconfigured to increase the surface contact with the cooling fluid, thus improving the heat transfer. Secondly, a cooling fluid that has a higher specific heat capacity was added to the existing water circulation so that more heat can be rejected at the same flow conditions. The results were compared with the existing data to determine the level of improvement achieved at the end of the project.