Development of test methodology for truck HVAC : Climatic testing in the climatic wind tunnel CD7

The issue about how Scania shall perform HVAC tests in the climatic wind tunnel CD7, which Scania is about to complete by year 2013, has resulted in four test methods for truck HVAC and also a test method structure. The test methods have been chosen to focus on sun, snow and rain simulations. These are adapted and developed according to what should be tested and to what can be tested in CD7, which has been the object. With CD7 different climates can be simulated in a controlled environment for complete truck level, from desert with high sun load to arctic cold and snow. The test methods represents a basis to start from, for designers and test engineers which make the testing more repetitive as well as time eventually can be saved. Before the test methods can be applied they must be verified as they are based on theoretical and empirical assumptions. Test methods are not static and must be updated and developed continuously. By having a clear documentation with motivated choices for the methods, changes can easily be made. Another important part is for knowledge not to be lost over time. The aim with the master thesis has been that the study shall be basis for future testmethod development for HVAC at Scania. The structure makes an important component for documentation and the overview perspective. The structure is also flexible enough to be used for other test facilities, not only CD7, which should be a natural continuation. From the literature study in combination with interviews and observations, both internal and external, a modeling has emerged. Developed test methods have been discussed in a workshop with Scania personnel that gave feed-back to the methods. Performed interviews have demonstrated that explorative methods are usually made. At the same time the explorative testing evolve from established internal methods and requirement specifications. Requirement specification and testing are two subjects who have shown to be connected to each other. The interviews have also shown that solar simulations are among the most common tests concerning climate and HVAC