One of most challenging engine test by PSA (Peugeot Citroën Group) is to lower the temperature of all engine fluids to -30 °C. This is made by an indirect system with Temper -55 and R 507A in the primary circuit.
At the test center in Carrière-sous-Poissy PSA have a unique test bed for engines. “It’s similar to a classic test bed but we have added the cooling part” –says Philippe Piau at PSA. The Test bed is designed and installed by INDUSTRILEC a French industrial refrigeration company. They have chosen to use the heat transfer fluid Temper together with Dehon Climalife, the French distributor of Temper. We have chosen Temper for its superior viscosity at low temperatures and that you can reduce the size of pumps, pipings and heat exchangers, -says Romain Viry at Dehon Climalife. Temper is also non toxic and biodegradable, this was very important for PSA, states Romain Viry. One more advantage by Temper is that it’s very stable in the system and it’s not necessary to change the fluid regularly.
The primary circuit of 500 kW, consist of 4 screw compressor from Bitzer that can be regulated to 25, 50, 75 or 100%. This group is connected to Temper through 2 plate heat exchangers. Temper is then connected via heat exchangers to; the engine oil, the oil sump and the coolant. There is also a loop for cooling air, 38 000 m3/h. The air is first dried to avoid ice formation.
The test bed can operate 24h/24h and is highly computerized. PSA has also installed a second identical test bed with Temper in Belchamps.
This text is an extract RPF N°982 JANV./FÉV.2010, Séverine Wilson