The Tow Dynamometer - a major asset to Test Engineers.
Using state of the art controls connected to the Tow Dyne it is possible to test vehicles and simulate road profiles taken from hills and mountains without having to leave the safe and controlled confines of the flat test track.
As a test vehicle moves, pulling the Tow Dyne, an air-cooled eddy current Power Absorbing Unit (PAU) convert the vehicle’s kinetic energy into heat. Mustang’s DAC/PC based control system, using closed-loop feedback control, regulates the amount of load imposed on the test vehicle. |
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Using state of the art controls connected to the Tow Dyne it is possible to test vehicles and simulate road profiles taken from hills and mountains without having to leave the safe and controlled confines of the flat test track.
As a test vehicle moves, pulling the Tow Dyne, an air-cooled eddy current Power Absorbing Unit (PAU) convert the vehicle’s kinetic energy into heat. Mustang’s DAC/PC based control system, using closed-loop feedback control, regulates the amount of load imposed on the test vehicle.
Two of the control system’s modes of operation are “Load Control” and “Speed Control”. When the Tow Dyne is in “Load Control” mode, the driver of the test vehicle controls the speed. Conversely, when the Tow Dyne is in “Speed Control” mode, the driver controls the load.
The DAC/PC based tow dynamometer control system is a member of Mustang’s latest generation of embedded micro-controller based electronic systems. All control and monitoring functions are performed by an embedded 16 bit digital micro-controllers. All calibrations can be performed using the on-board LED or enclosure mounted LCD display and keyboard, with calibration values stored in on-board non-volatile FLASH memory. Testing values such as load or speed set points can be entered by the operator in exact unit values. In keeping with our previous system design features, the new control system is configured to supply analog output signals proportional to system speed and loading force, using operator supplied output scaling values. Mustang’s new control system provides faster and more stable loading control than previous analog control systems, and can be interfaced to a laptop computer via an RS-232 serial cable to provide data logging and advanced control functionality.
Tow Dynamometer Brochure >>
Standard Tow Dynamometer Models: |
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MDT-1000: |
Capable of producing a maximum draw bar force of 1000 lbs, or approximately 670 lbs at 35 mph (equivalent to 70 hp). The unit weighs 2360 lbs. |
MDT-1600: |
Capable of producing a maximum draw bar force of 1600 lbs, or approximately 1335 lbs at 35 mph (equivalent to 135 hp). The unit weighs 2690 lbs. |
MDT-1800: |
Capable of producing a maximum draw bar force of 1800 lbs, or approximately 1490 lbs at 35 mph (equivalent to 150 hp). The unit weighs 2900 lbs. |
Physical Dimensions: |
138” long x 75” wide x 36” high |
Loading: |
The dynamometer loading is provided by an air-cooled eddy current power absorbing unit (PAU). The current to the PAU is supplied by dual 12 volt batteries which are constantly charged by a heavy duty alternator. |
Load Measurement: |
The drawbar force is measured by a load cell |
Speed Measurement: |
Speed is measured by a magnetic pickup. |
Design: |
All Mustang tow dynamometers are constructed from heavy duty structural steel, double welded for additional strength. The use of P215 / 65R15 tires provides superior traction. Flow-through hoods provide continuous air flow for cooling the PAU. Multiple leaf spring suspension with air shock enhance stability and control of the trailer. |
