At Automotive Testing Expo Europe 2026, we presented the VQF Wind Simulator at our exhibition stand. Using the exhibit, the video explains how the unit generates a controlled airflow for vehicle testing and how it can be integrated into a test cell.
The basic principle is simple: On a chassis dynamometer, the vehicle remains stationary, so the airflow normally generated during driving is absent. A precisely controlled airflow is therefore required to reproduce the necessary cooling, airflow and test conditions. This is exactly where the VQF comes into play.
Defined Airflow for Reproducible Test Conditions
A Wind Simulator generates a controlled airflow in front of a stationary vehicle. Air velocity, outlet cross-section, outlet height and distance from the vehicle are tailored to the test setup. This reliably reproduces the required airflow conditions even though the vehicle itself is not moving through the ambient air.
The VQF series was developed specifically for use on chassis dynamometers. Depending on its size and configuration, the Wind Simulator can be adapted to different vehicles, speed ranges and test requirements.
Typical Applications
Wind Simulators are used wherever a defined airflow is required as part of the test setup. Typical applications include:
- vehicle testing on chassis dynamometers
- fuel consumption and emissions testing
- testing of battery electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles
- thermal testing and cooling applications
- customized airflow and test scenarios
The appropriate configuration depends on the required air velocity, outlet cross-section, ambient conditions and the existing test cell.
An overview of further solutions can be found in our Automotive / Wind Simulation section.
How the VQF Generates Airflow
The central element of the VQF series is a tangential fan. Air is drawn in along the entire length of the fan impeller, redirected and accelerated within the impeller, and then discharged across the entire outlet width.
The Tangential Fan Principle
This principle distributes the airflow evenly across a wide area. In the configuration shown in the video, air is drawn in from above, redirected through 90° inside the unit and discharged horizontally toward the vehicle. This saves space in the test cell and enables a compact installation.
Learn more about the design and airflow deflection in our knowledge article on the operating principle of tangential fans. To learn how Wind Simulators differ from full-scale wind tunnels and where each system is used, see our article on wind tunnels.
Designed for Different Test Applications
Airflow requirements vary depending on the vehicle, test procedure and test environment. The VQF series therefore includes different sizes and configurations. What matters is not a single maximum value, but the interaction between air velocity, blow-out area, positioning and control.
Standardized Test Procedures
Depending on the model, the Wind Simulators can be configured to support various standardized test procedures, including:
- WLTP for fuel consumption, emissions and range testing of light-duty vehicles
- CFR § 1066 for vehicle testing in accordance with US regulations
- WMTC for standardized testing of motorcycles
- RDE-related test procedures and supplementary tests under defined conditions
The specific requirements that can be met depend on the model. Selected configurations are also available with EMC-ILA® certification.
Features to Suit the Application
The feature set is also tailored to the specific test application. Depending on the model, the following features are included as standard or available as options:
- compact design thanks to 90° airflow deflection
- uniform airflow distribution across a wide outlet area
- controllable air velocity
- interfaces for integration with the test cell control system
- electrically adjustable outlet height
- vehicle distance measurement
- temperature and humidity sensors
- display and transmission of relevant operating data
- mobile configuration with swivel casters
- battery-powered drive systems for positioning by one person only
- different outlet nozzles and customized configurations
Not every feature is included as standard for every unit size. The specific configuration is therefore tailored to the vehicle, test procedure and test cell.
Technical data and available configurations can be found on the VQF product page.
Which Configuration Is Right for the Test Cell?
Several parameters should be considered together when selecting the appropriate configuration:
- test procedure
- vehicle type and vehicle dimensions
- required air velocity
- size and shape of the outlet cross-section
- outlet height and distance to the vehicle
- temperature range of the test environment
- available installation space
- control and interface requirements
- sensor and positioning requirements
The earlier these requirements are defined, the more precisely the Wind Simulator can be configured and integrated into the test cell.
From Design to Ongoing Operation
We support you in selecting and engineering the right solution for your specific test cell. Even after commissioning, airflow quality remains crucial: maintenance and calibration measurements help ensure that defined conditions are maintained in the long term.
Are you planning a new test cell or expanding an existing facility? Talk to our experts about your specific test application.