 Nett's test cell meets requirements under part 1065 of title 40 of the US Code of Federal Regulations. |
Nett Technologies Inc of Mississauga launched its first engine test cell that is compliant with the latest US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s exhaust emission standards. Beginning in 2010, Nett designed and then constructed and installed the cell, which is now entering commercial service.
The test cell meets requirements under part 1065 of title 40 of the US Code of Federal Regulations.
Nett engineered and built its test cell B utilising a state-of-the-art automation system from the North American instrumentation and test systems site of AVL List GmbH in Plymouth, Michigan. AVL supplied dynamometers, dilution tunnel, CVS instrumentation, automation controls and the final commissioning.
Horiba Ltd of Kyoto, Japan provided analysers and commissioning support.
Nett developed the engine testing facility in a search for a more affordable, quicker-to-market solution for verifying and launching the firm's emission control products and services.
Eventually, Nett intends to have three fully operational 1065-compliant engine test cells.
Nett says that the new capability "will provide timely, cost effective and quality testing of high repeatability and prediction to performance claims according to forklift industry regulatory protocols as well as enabling us to conduct in-house verification testing. Having such capabilities enable us to take the development of our technologies and emission control strategies to original-equipment-level requirements."
Ted Tadrous, Nett technology director, notes: "This big achievement is truly symbolic to the tireless dedication, experience, knowledge and efforts put forward by the design engineering and the research and development team. Meeting this EPA emission testing compliance will vastly expand our testing capabilities, allowing us to meet today and tomorrow's strict regulations."
Tadrous says the testing capability is the main pillar in Nett's daily mindset and engineering practices. "With the addition of this state-of-the-art engine test cell, our research and development team will now be able to provide product validations, verifications and engine certifications that meet EPA and California ARB (Air Resources Board) engine emission testing standards," Tadrous observes.
Nett has invested more than CAD3.50 million (USD3.54 million) in creating the eventual three-cell engine testing facility. The capability opens doors to additional opportunities for product development, verifications and engine certifications.
Nett employs about 70 engineers, scientists, tradesmen and office staff and occupies approximately 55,000 sqft. (5,110 sqm) at its Mississauga facility.
The site has an additional test cell that went into service in 2004 and houses two eddy current dynamometers, one each of 20kW and 80kW. Test cell A is used in a supportive capacity to run certification and system verification testing.
"We are now able to run all North American, European, Japanese and Korean regulatory protocols in full compliance," says Alex Stojkovic, marketing manager.