Testing | Checking | Measuring

Within the scope of the High Performance Indoor Environment (HiPIE) research and development initiative, we at Fraunhofer IBP have built a test environment in which ambient conditions can be varied quickly and easily. This allows us to study human responses such as perception, sensation, experience, and behavior. In addition, using the lab, we can evaluate cause-effect relationships scientifically, quickly and inexpensively. In a freely-configurable space measuring approx. 45 square meters, we can specifically adjust the physical environmental conditions such as acoustics, lighting, room climate and air quality.

The High Performance Indoor Environment (HiPIE) lab is a building physics simulation environment that allows our scientists to explore interactions between humans and the physical environment, as well as to conduct measurements, evaluations and technical developments in the field of thermal comfort.

In the Test Laboratory Emission, environment and hygiene among other things determination of gaseous emissions in test chamber and indoor air, determination of organic emissions from non-metallic automotive components as well as Odor analyses are made.

Determination of substance release from building materials with intermittent water exposure, determination of individual substances and sum parameters.

In addition to windows, we use our window testing facility to test the acoustics of glazing, façade or wall sections, roller shutter boxes, panels, ventilation elements, joint seals and small-size components. The tests are carried out in accordance with DIN EN ISO 10140-5 with a clear opening of 1.25 m x 1.5 mm (test area: 1.875 m²). For components with smaller dimensions, the test opening can be adapted accordingly with the aid of a multi-shell, highly sound-insulating construction. A crane is available in the testing facility for installing and removing heavy components.

The facade test facility P1 at Fraunhofer IBP meets the requirements of DIN EN ISO 10140-5:2021. The test stand is vibration-isolated, with a surrounding joint effectively suppressing flanking transmission between the source and receiving rooms. Its versatile test opening allows for the measurement of facade elements, windows and sliding doors, as well as complex mock-up facades with installations. Cutting-edge state-of-the-art measurement technology ensures precise assessment of sound insulation under realistic conditions, including dodecahedron loudspeakers in the test rooms and circularly moving microphones in the receiving room. The test stand is designed to accommodate even large facade elements, which can be delivered and installed using a truck-mounted crane. This makes it ideal for innovative development projects and quality assurance of a wide range of building components.

The PK combined test stand at Fraunhofer IBP is specifically designed to determine the sound insulation performance of room-height components such as doors, windows, window facades, and large-scale partition walls. The test stand meets the requirements of the standard DIN EN ISO 10140-5:2021. Spatial and temporal averaging of sound pressure levels is achieved by means of a pneumatically moved dodecahedron loudspeaker and rotating microphones, enabling highly precise measurements under realistic conditions. To suppress flanking transmissions, a circumferential joint separates the source and receiving rooms. The combined test bench is not only suitable for conventional building components, but also for specialized applications in automotive, aerospace, and marine industries.

At Fraunhofer IBP, sound insulation tests for raised and hollow floors are conducted using various test facilities, including the wall and ceiling test stand, all of which meet the requirements of the DIN EN ISO 10140-5:2021 standard. The flooring system to be examined is installed directly onto the concrete floor of the test stand. A highly sound-insulating partition wall extends from the ceiling to just above the surface of the raised floor between the source and receiving rooms. This partition wall is fitted with mineral wool and a permanently plastic seal to minimize flanking transmission. Measurements are carried out using dodecahedron loudspeakers, standard tapping machines, and rotating microphones. The system’s flexibility allows for the testing of various floor systems, including those with air outlets or floor bulkheads.

With the Laboratory for Integrated Façade Technology (LIFT), Fraunhofer IBP provides the ideal environment for all building physics research and development tasks. The focus is on diverse, multidisciplinary, experimental investigations of façades and component systems, which can be carried out efficiently on the same façade testbed.

Indoor air samples are collected on suitable adsorbers and adapted to each specific issue, and then analyzed in the laboratory. The identified substances and their concentrations in the indoor air are compared against reference or recommended values. If irregularities are detected, material samples can be taken and analyzed to identify the sources of indoor air pollution.