Écrit par Robin
Ingénieur principal, Test Doaho (DHT®)
Functional Principle and Technical Composition
A walk-in test chamber is a large-scale testing device that simulates extreme conditions by precisely controlling temperature, humidity, and other environmental parameters. Its core operating principle draws on thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, with three integrated systems working in concert:
-
Temperature & Humidity Control System It employs two-stage cascade refrigeration (–80 °C to +180 °C) alongside a steam-based humidification/dehumidification system (5 %–98 % RH). A PID algorithm maintains temperature to within ±0.5 °C and humidity within ±1 % RH. DHT®’s exclusive dual-channel condenser design increases the cooling rate to 3 °C/min in the standard model.
-
Air Circulation System A 3D vector duct layout combined with an EC centrifugal fan provides continuously adjustable airspeeds from 0.5 to 1.5 m/s. CFD-optimized flow guides ensure internal temperature uniformity of ≤±0.3 °C (per ISO 18562).
-
Système de contrôle intelligent Featuring an industrial-grade PLC + SCADA architecture, it ships preloaded with 23 international test-program sequences (including IEC 60529-2013), supports up to 1,000 programmable steps, and samples data at up to 10 Hz.
Principaux avantages
-
Large Volume & High Compatibilité Ideal for full-size units, batch samples, or complex multi-condition tests; optional features include internal racks, viewing windows, and utility ports.
-
Cost Efficiency Large load capacity spreads energy use over more units, reducing per-test energy costs by over 30 % compared to benchtop chambers.
-
Multi-stress Capability Simultaneously applies temperature, humidity, vibration, salt-spray, and other stresses to meet IEC, MIL, and GB standards.
-
Ease of Operation & Sécurité Automatic PLC control with touchscreen interface, interlocked doors, and emergency-stop buttons ensure operator safety.
-
Flexible Expansion & Customization Modular or integrated design supports on-site installation and add-on modules, letting you tailor functions to evolving test requirements.
Typical Applications
-
Essais de véhicules à énergie nouvelle Complies with GB 38031-2020 for battery safety, performing 1,000 high/low-temperature cycles (–40 °C to +60 °C) with temperature transitions in under 5 minutes.
-
Aerospace Qualification Per RTCA DO-160G, simulates altitudes up to 30,000 ft and temperature shocks from –65 °C to +150 °C in combined tests.
-
Material Aging Research With an optional xenon-lamp accelerated aging module, replicates 10 years of natural outdoor aging within 1,200 hours according to ISO 4892-2.
Selection Guidelines
When choosing a chamber, consider three dimensions:
-
Space Utilization: Test articles should occupy no more than 70 % of the usable chamber volume (DHT® offers models from 5 m³ to 50 m³).
-
Performance Range: Select a working range at least 20 % beyond your actual needs (e.g., if your product operates between –30 °C and +70 °C, choose a –40 °C to +100 °C model).
-
Expansion Modules: DHT® supports integration of 28 optional modules—including salt-spray (ASTM B117) and low-pressure (10 kPa)—to meet specialized testing requirements.
DHT®’s Innovative Solutions
As a benchmark brand in environmental testing equipment, DHT® employs three breakthrough technologies:
-
Maglev Compresseur: Achieves ultra-quiet operation at 38 dB(A) even at –80 °C.
-
Nano-hydrophobic Coated Evaporator: Boosts dehumidification efficiency by 50 % and responds to humidity changes in under 30 seconds.
-
Digital Twin System: Uses virtual prototyping to reduce commissioning cycles by 60 %.
In CNAS-accredited labs, DHT® chambers have demonstrated temperature drift of less than 0.1 °C per 24 h over 1,000 h of continuous accelerated aging—meeting MIL-STD-810H military standards. Coupled with 24/7 expert support, DHT® delivers reliable environmental simulation solutions across industries.
Conclusion
As reliability requirements rise, choosing an ILAC-MRA-certified DHT® test chamber not only ensures the precision of your test data but also strategically strengthens your product’s competitive edge. Its modular design adapts to evolving R&D needs, maximizing the value of your test equipment throughout its lifecycle.