Scania have built a facility that can simulate all climate extremes, from a frosty blizzard to a dry scorching heat, in order to more efficiently test the next generation of trucks and buses.
Scania has spent 400 million Swedish Krona (the equivalent of about $64 million Australian dollars) on the facility in the hopes that it will ensure that their vehicles can handle all types of weather.
Located in Sweden, Scania say that the facility will help speed up development and improve the performance of their future trucks and buses. Temperatures ranging between -35 and +50 degrees Celsius are able to be generated, as well as humidity, rain, intense sunlight, wind and snow.
A heavy rain simulation will test for things like water intrusion in the air intakes, the performance of the climate systems and mist removals. This test can further be enhanced by the addition of a fluorescent chemical to the water, ensuring that it is easy to monitor how windscreen and mirror visibility is affected.
Simulated snow will test for things such as wiper and defroster functions, snow clogging, and intake interference.
All of this can be used year-round. Rather than waiting around for winter periods to test for snow, it can now be done right in the middle of summer.
Harald Ludanek, the Executive Vice President for Research and Development at Scania says that “Because we can reduce the impact of snow, rain and dirt, drivers will benefit from a better cab environment and enhanced safety.”
See a video of the wind tunnel in action here.