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The BMW Group has inaugurated its cutting-edge Aeroacoustics and Electric Drive Center (AEC) at its Research and Innovation Center (FIZ) in Munich. This state-of-the-art facility includes the world’s largest vertical acoustic wind tunnel, setting a new standard in vehicle testing. Replacing the company’s decades-old wind tunnel, the AEC combines innovative aerodynamics research capabilities with a focus on electric vehicle development.
Key Highlights:
- Quietest Wind Tunnel: The AEC’s wind tunnel operates at just 54.3 dB(A) at 140 km/h, equivalent to the sound of a quiet conversation, enabling precise aeroacoustic measurements.
- Advanced Testing Equipment: Features include a 216-microphone acoustic camera, a laser vibrometry system, and a high-performance all-wheel drive roller dynamometer.
- Multifunctional Spaces: The center includes workshops and prototype lines for developing high-voltage batteries and inverters for electric vehicles.
- Structural Innovation: The wind tunnel and adjacent buildings were constructed with specialized soundproofing and space-efficient designs.
Advancing Aeroacoustic Research
The AEC’s wind tunnel provides groundbreaking tools for testing vehicle acoustics and aerodynamics. With a maximum wind speed of 250 km/h, it can accommodate large vehicles such as the BMW X7 and Rolls-Royce Phantom. The facility’s semi-free-field acoustic design eliminates sound reflections, allowing realistic road condition simulations. Its unique frequency range from 30 Hz covers the entire audible spectrum, offering unparalleled precision in testing.
The cutting-edge measurement tools include a 216-microphone acoustic camera capable of pinpointing background noise with centimeter-level accuracy. Additionally, the wind tunnel features a laser vibrometry system to measure surface vibrations without contact, offering unmatched flexibility for isolating wind and rolling noise phenomena.
Supporting Electric Mobility Innovation
Beyond aeroacoustic research, the AEC’s second section is dedicated to advancing electric mobility. The facility houses prototype lines for high-voltage batteries and inverters, essential for next-generation electric vehicles. With 15,000 square meters of multifunctional workspace, BMW can adapt the facility to evolving technological needs, ensuring long-term flexibility in development.
Architectural and Structural Ingenuity
The AEC’s dual-building design demonstrates exceptional efficiency and innovation. Built within an excavation pit, the structures are acoustically decoupled from each other and the surrounding environment. A 3-meter-thick sound-insulated floor slab and an upright wind tunnel design maximize space utilization while meeting stringent acoustic requirements.
The BMW Group’s AEC exemplifies the company’s commitment to precision, sustainability, and innovation. This facility not only enhances current vehicle development capabilities but also positions BMW at the forefront of future mobility solutions.
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