Dynamometer Operation Principle

DYNAMOMETER OPERATION PRINCIPLE
A dynamometer is a testing device that applies braking or drag resistance to a

Machine Under Test (MUT) and determines the torque output of this machine. A
dynamometer consists of two main units: the absorption unit which applies the braking
force and absorbs the power output of the engine and the measuring unit which
measures the engine’s torque output. Chassis dynamometers make use of an
absorption unit as described above in order to simulate the different driving conditions in
any driving cycle. In addition, a flywheel is coupled to the rotor in order to simulate the
vehicle’s inertia. According to the actual mass every vehicle can be inserted into a
weight class (Table 1.6) and for every class a different flywheel is used in order to
represent the different vehicle mass.
Engine dynamometers, has the same operating principal with chassis
dynamometers but in this case only the engine is coupled with the dynometer. They are
not commonly used for driving cycles but for engine calibration, mapping, emission
measurement in steady state conditions and engine components adjustments (i.e.
Common rail pressure effect in PM emissions).
Laboratory of Applied Thermodynamics is equipped with 2 engine and one

chassis dynamometers. The older engine dyno is a water brake (Figure 1.25, Figure
1.26). In this type, water is used both as working and as cooling mean and its controlled
inlet flow determines the braking load of the dynamometer. The rotor, which is coupled
to the test machine, accelerates the water and subsequently the stator decelerates it
acting as a braking mean. Water brake dynos are usually preferred due to their low
cost, high power capability and light-weight design. The downside is that sometimes it is
difficult to reach and stabilize the desired load and in order to operate well requires a
constant high volume of water.
In an engine dynamometer, water flow, proportional to the desired applied load,

creates resistance to the engine. A controlled water flow through the inlet manifold is
directed at the center of the rotor in each absorption section. This water is then expelled
to the outer dynamometer body by centrifugal force. As it is directed outward, the water
is accelerated into pockets on the stationary stator plates where it is decelerated. The
continual acceleration and deceleration causes the dynamometer to absorb the power
produced by the engine. Through this transfer of energy the water is heated and
discharged.
Principles of Operation of Torque Power (Absorbing) Dynamometers
An absorbing dynamometer acts as a load that is driven by the prime mover that
is under test (e.g. Pelton wheel). The dynamometer must be able to operate at any
speed and load to any level of torque that the test requires.
Absorbing dynamometers are not to be confused with "inertia" dynamometers,

which calculate power solely by measuring power required to accelerate a known mass
drive roller and provide no variable load to the prime mover.
An absorption dynamometer is usually equipped with some means of measuring

the operating torque and speed.
The power absorption unit (PAU) of a dynamometer absorbs the power

developed by the prime mover. This power absorbed by the dynamometer is then
converted into heat, which generally dissipates into the ambient air or transfers to
cooling water that dissipates into the air. Regenerative dynamometers, in which the
prime mover drives a DC motor as a generator to create load, make excess DC power
and potentially - using a DC/AC inverter - can feed AC power back into the commercial
electrical power grid.
Absorption dynamometers can be equipped with two types of control systems to

provide different main test types.
References
Thessaloniki, March (2014) ,Aristotle University of Thessaloniki School of Engineering

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering Laboratory of Applied Thermodynamics
Winther, J. B. (1975). Dynamometer Handbook of Basic Theory and Applications.

Cleveland, Ohio: Eaton Corporation.
https://www.setra.com/blog/test-and-measurement-dynamometer

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DYNAMOMETER OPERATION PRINCIPLE

A dynamometer is a testing device that applies braking or drag resistance to a

Laboratory of Applied Thermodynamics is equipped with 2 engine and one

In an engine dynamometer, water flow, proportional to the desired applied load,

Absorbing dynamometers are not to be confused with "inertia" dynamometers,

An absorption dynamometer is usually equipped with some means of measuring

The power absorption unit (PAU) of a dynamometer absorbs the power

Absorption dynamometers can be equipped with two types of control systems to

Thessaloniki, March (2014) ,Aristotle University of Thessaloniki School of Engineering

Winther, J. B. (1975). Dynamometer Handbook of Basic Theory and Applications.

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