Lab Capabilities

Engine Performance Lab

The Bio-Energy Center is capable of performing a variety of performance testing relating to engine dynamics, durability, and performance. The Center has three engine test cells, engine dynamometer, chassis dynamometer, and small engine. Together with Montana State University-Northern nationally recognized diesel and automotive technology program, the Bio-Energy Center is positioned to provide its clients with comprehensive engine benchmark testing.

ENGINE DYNAMOMETER—Taylor TD 3100
The engine dynamometer has the capability of measuring diesel engines up to 1000 horsepower. The engine dynamometer can be use for both on-high diesel engines and industrial engine up to 1000 horsepower. The TD 3100 is a portable engine dynamometer that gives the Bio-Energy Center staff versatility to switch test engines with ease. The engine dynamometer test cell utilizes a data acquisition system that is able to gather pertinent test data such as: fuel temp, engine speed, test time, API, horsepower, torque, RPM, engine temperature exhaust temperature, oil temperature, and oil pressure every half second. The engine dynamometer is equipped with a fuel measurement unit that works in tandem with the data acquisition system to measure fuel consumption by weight and volume as well as brake-specific fuel consumption in real time. 

CHASSIS DYNAMOMETER—Taylor TD-36
The chassis dynamometer test cell accommodates horsepower ranges from 50 HP to 1100 HP at 40 mph, single or tandem axle trucks and a full range of flexible axle spreads. The chassis dynamometer allows a top speed of 120 mph, with a top recommended speed of 80 mph at full load. The chassis dynamometer is bi-directional and can be used for any vehicle up to class 8 trucks with tandem axles. The chassis dynamometer test cell utilizes a data acquisition system that is able to gather engine temperature and pressure every half second. The chassis dynamometer is equipped with a fuel measurement unit that works in tandem with the data acquisition system to measure fuel consumption in real time.

SMALL ENGINE DYNAMOMETER—MSU-Northern KR-2
The small engine dynamometer is used for testing all small engines ranging from 2-cycle engines up to 12 horsepower. The test cell is capable of running from 1 to 4 engines simultaneously and can be used for both gasoline and diesel small engines. The small engine dynamometer was engineered and designed by Bio-Energy Center staff and utilizes a hydraulic pump system to control torque and set horsepower. The test cell is connected to an electronic data acquisition that has the capability to capture and record 10 data points per second. The data acquisition measures horsepower, torque, RPM, crank case pressure and vacuum (“blow-by”), fuel consumption, harmonics (measured with vibration analyzers), head, oil air intake and exhaust temperatures. The test cell is portable and uses only energy produced by the small engine(s) itself during operation. All measurements are taken in real time.