The new Aeroacoustics and Electric Drive Centre (AEC) begins operations at the BMW Group's Research and Innovation Centre (FIZ). It replaces the old aeroacoustic wind tunnel, which had been in operation for almost 40 years.

The AEC consists of two buildings that were constructed in the excavation. The first is a multi-purpose part with workshop, test and measurement equipment. The second is a unique wind tunnel just under 100 metres long, 45 metres high and 25 metres wide. BMW claims it is the world's largest vertical acoustic wind tunnel and at the same time the quietest.

The entire building, from the 3 metre thick floor slab to the facade, is soundproofed against noise from the surrounding area. All construction work was carried out in a functioning facility.

The facility has a 4.5MW fan capable of delivering up to 100,000m³ of air per minute at 250km/h. The wind tunnel is designed as a semi-free field acoustic space. This means that with the exception of the soundproof floor, there are no sound reflections. This allows a realistic simulation of the situation on the road. The frequency range for semi-free field conditions from 30 Hz is unique for a vehicle wind tunnel and covers the entire audible spectrum.

The 216 microphones allow precise localisation of background noise with an accuracy of less than one centimetre. In addition, the wind tunnel is equipped with a laser vibrometer system for non-contact measurement of mechanical vibrations of the entire vehicle surface.

Source: BMW

Tags: BMW
Евгений Ушаков
Evgenii Ushakov
15 years driving