FEV´s Efficient Test Center for RDE and Connected Vehicle

An extremely efficient test center is being demonstrated by engineering service and testing solutions provider FEV at this year's Testing Expo in Stuttgart.

The engineering service provider shows highly developed technologies to meet the challenges in the development and validation of future-oriented propulsion systems. At booth 1200 in Stuttgart, which is inspired by a test center, solutions for important issues such as RDE (Real Driving Emissions), electrification of the powertrain and Connected Vehicle will be presented. FEV and D2T, its French subsidiary acquired in 2015, will be appearing for the first time under their joint brand, FEV Testing Solutions. 

“Testing Solutions offers an extensive product and service portfolio; it is optimally matched to the current topics of the automotive industry, such as automated driving, hybridization and electrification of the powertrain”, explains Dr. Ralf Marquard, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of FEV Group Holding GmbH. "At this year's Testing Expo in Stuttgart, we will be providing insight into our portfolio and will be on hand for expert consulting on a wide variety of solutions."

Turnkey Planning by the Experts
As leading development service provider, FEV operates more than 180 own test benches for propulsion systems of all kinds, whether it be fully electric, hybridized, or also conventional. Over 400 experts in the field of Testing Solutions offer extensive expertise for the planning and operation of state-of-the-art test centers. Requirements for RDE, Cyber Security and Connectivity, but also the efficient work planning as well as logistics are from strongly increasing importance. FEV Testing Solutions provides “one-stop shop” planning services for testing facilities. Those services cover the entire process of planning and execution, ensuring the construction of highly efficient laboratories with maximum user benefit. According to Dr. Marquard, "For a test center to be effective, it is essential that the basic structures have a functional arrangement, modular design, flexibility for changing equipment needs, and a smart utility infrastructure."

Optimized Management of All Subsystems
Test center management plays a key role in the efficient operation of such a facility - it controls all the test rigs and combines numerous systems from different manufacturers into one effective, integrated system. FEV’s knowledge management system, FEVFlex, collects information from automation, testing and production systems of all kinds. In the process, it creates complete documentation of testing activities and the prototype life cycle and enables efficient planning of test center resources. The key feature of FEVFlex is that it is easy to use and compatible with a wide variety of third-party products.

Real-Time Networking for Early Development Results
FEV Testing Solutions will demonstrate its connected test center as a solution that addresses increasingly shorter and more complex development cycles. Its architecture combines the strengths of the Morphee automation systems with the test bed controller TOM. As a result, it is possible to connect an engine and transmission testbed and test both individual components as one complete system.

Precise Measurement and Conditioning Systems
FEV Testing Solutions will highlight a wide-ranging portfolio of measurement and conditioning systems, encompassed by robust tools like the company’s oil conditioning (LubCon) and coolant conditioning (CoolCon) units. FEV also offers extremely accurate tools that apply unique measurement principles and calibration routines. Examples include measurement systems such as AirRate for combustion air, FuelCon/FuelRate for fuel conditioning and consumption, and FEVER for emissions. All measurements taken by these systems are collated in the test bench automation system and can be further processed and analyzed using the FEVALYS data evaluation tool.

About FEV
The FEV Group with headquarters in Aachen, Germany, is an internationally recognized development service provider for drive and vehicle technologies. The company offers its global transport industry customers a complete range of engineering services, providing support in the design, analysis and prototyping for powertrain and transmission development, as well as vehicle integration, calibration and homologation for advanced internal combustion gasoline-, diesel-, and alternative-fueled powertrains. FEV's competencies also include design, development and prototyping of innovative vehicle concepts, powertrain electronic control systems and hybrid-electric engine concepts that address future emission and fuel economy standards. The Testing Solutions division is a global supplier of advanced test cell, instrumentation and test equipment. The FEV Group employs a staff of over 4,000 highly skilled specialists at advanced technical centers on four continents.