86.1218-85—Dynamometer calibration.

(a) The dynamometer shall be calibrated at least once each month or performance verified at least once each week and then calibrated as required. The calibration shall consist of the manufacturer's recommended calibration procedure plus a determination of the dynamometer frictional power absorption. If the dynamometer is to be used for driving only the reference (transient) schedule, the frictional power absorption needs to be determined only at 50.0 mph (80.5 km/hr). If the dynamometer is to be used for driving the steady-state cycle, the frictional power absorption needs to be determined through the range of 15 to 50 mph. One method for determining dynamometer frictional power absorption at 50.0 mph (80.5 km/hr) is described below. The same general method can be used at other speeds. Other methods may be used if shown to yield equivalent results. The measured absorbed road power includes the dynamometer friction as well as the power absorbed by the power absorption unit. The dynamometer is driven above the test speed range. The device used to drive the dynamometer is then disengaged from the dynamometer and the roll(s) is (are) allowed to coastdown. The kinetic energy of the system is dissipated by the dynamometer. This method neglects the variations in roll bearing friction due to the drive axle weight of the vehicle. In the case of dynamometers with paired rolls, the inertia and power absorption of the free (rear) roll may be neglected if its inertia is less than 3.0 percent of the total equivalent inertia required for vehicle testing.
(1) Devise a method to determine the speed of the roll(s) to be measured for power absorption. A fifth wheel, revolution pickup, or other suitable means may be used.
(2) Place a vehicle on the dynamometer or devise another method of driving the dynamometer.
(3) If the dynamometer is capable of simulating more than a single inertia mass, engage the inertial flywheel or other inertial simulation system for the most common vehicle mass category for which the dynamometer is used. In addition, other vehicle mass categories may be calibrated, if desired.
(4) Drive the dynamometer up to 50 mph (80.5 km/hr).
(5) Record indicated road power.
(6) Drive the dynamometer up to 60 mph (96.9 km/hr).
(7) Disengage the device used to drive the dynamometer.
(8) Record the time for the dynamometer roll(s) to coastdown from 55.0 mph (88.5 km/hr) to 45.0 mph (72.4 km/hr).
(9) Adjust the power absorption unit to a different level.
(10) Repeat steps (4) to (8) above sufficient times to cover the range of road power used.
(11) Calculate absorbed road power (HPd ). (See paragraph (c) of this section.)
(12) Plot indicated road load power at 50 mph (80.5 km/hr) versus road load power at 50 mph (80.5 km/hr).
(b) The performance check consists of conducting a dynamometer coastdown and comparing the coastdown time to that recorded during the last calibration. If the coastdown times differ by more than 1 second or by 5 percent of the time recorded during the last calibration, whichever is greater, a new calibration is required.
(c) Calculations. The road load power actually absorbed by each roll assembly (or roll-inertia weight assembly) of the dynamometer is calculated from the following equation:

Code of Federal Regulations

HPd = (1/2) (W/32.2) (V1 2—V2 2)/550t
Where:
HPd = Power, horsepower (kilowatts)
W = Equivalent inertia, lb (kg)
V 1 = Initial velocity, ft/s (m/s) (55 mph = 88.5 km/h = 80.67 ft/s = 24.58 m/s)
V2 = Final velocity, ft/s (m/s) (45 mph = 72.4 km/h = 66 ft/s = 20.11 m/s)
t = Elapsed time for rolls to coast from 55 mph to 45 mph (88.5 to 72.4 km/hr).
(Expressions in parenthesis are for SI units). When the coastdown is from 55 to 45 mph (88.5 to 72.4 km/hr) the above equation reduces to:
HPd = 0.06073 (W/t)
For SI units:
HP d = 0.09984 (W/t)
The total road load power actually absorbed by the dynamometer is the sum of the absorbed road load power of each roll assembly.