Testing

Emission testing for automotive industry

By employing thermal desorption or thermal extraction techniques in material analyses and material optimization, Fraunhofer IBP examines raw materials, semi-finished products and finished parts to determine the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) they contain. In SHED (Sealed House Evaporative Determination) testing chambers organic emissions from automotive parts and components are measured. Numerous groups of chemical substances are hereby analysed, including VOCs, BTEX aromatic compounds, aldehydes, ketones, phthalates, amines, nitrosamines and glycol ethers. Tests are carried out according to standards of VDA, ISO and European and Asian car manufacturers as well as in line with the regulations of the California Air Resources Board CARB.

When the sun is shining and temperatures get high in the summer, vehicle interiors get so hot that temperatures on places such as the dashboard can reach as much as 100 degrees Celsius. The result of these high temperatures is that more organic substances outgas from the materials employed in the interior. Such emissions can have a negative impact on the comfort and well-being of the occupants of the car, and can be identified and quantified using a special vehicle test bench with sun simulation.

Tests performed

• VDA 270, VDA 275, VDA 276, VDA 277, VDA 278
• CARB
• DIN ISO 16 000, DIN ISO 12219 standards
• Company standards: BMW GS97014 series; GMW 3205; GMW 15634; GMW 15635; PV 3942; PV 3943; VCS 1027,2729; VCS 1027,2739; VCS 1027,2749; VCS 1027,2759; VCS 1027,2769; VW 96043 (PN 780); VW 96044 (PN 790); VW 96390 (PPV 4050); VW 96391 (PPV 4051); VW 96422 (PPV 8040); VW 96 423 (PPV 8041); VW 96424 (PPV 8042)

Fuel emissions from propulsion systems

Fuel emissions are fuel vapors released into the environment through micro-leaks, permeation or diffusion processes, for instance from fuel pipes or from the engine compartment through the air intake system. These emissions are subject to official regulations that stipulate the maximum permissible levels over a fixed operating period (e.g. 15 years or 150,000 miles). Fraunhofer IBP is home to a unique test facility in which type and level of fuel vapor emissions from propulsion systems can be determined. The objective is to optimize the materials and seals used in the engine so as to reduce emissions and guarantee compliance with official regulations over the long term.

Accredited test laboratory

Certain areas of the department are subject to accreditation according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005. The following tests are all covered by this certification:

• Evaluation of construction products according to the AgBB evaluation scheme
• Test chamber testing and identification of organic emissions according to DIN ISO 12219-3 and 4 and DIN ISO 16000-3, -6, -9 and -11
• Identification of formaldehyde in accordance with VDA 275
• Thermal desorption according to VDA 278
• Odor testing according to VDA 270, VDI 4302 and DIN ISO 16000-28