Mecelec Design has designed and built a test rig to balance turbochargers for a well known F1 team. The rig provided a platform to spin the turbo. This included an engine oil feed, cooling water feed, oil scavenge and compressed air feed.
The exhaust gas was simulated by compressed air. It was heated to 140 degrees C and connected to the exhaust turbine of the turbocharger. This span the turbo at 120,000rpm.
The rig was designed to fit through a standard size door into a 3m x 3m x 3m test cell.
Therefore all of the hydraulic cabinets were modular.
Accelerometers were used to measure vibration and an encoder provided the position in which material needed to be removed from the turbo shaft.
In the interest of cycle time, the UUT was heated and then cooled rapidly to allow the operators to handle it safely.