MUNICH. The BMW Group has opened its new Aeroacoustics and Electric Drive Center (AEC) at the Research and Innovation Center (FIZ) here, marking the end of its nearly 40-year-old aeroacoustic wind tunnel.
The AEC features a two-part structure that includes a multifunctional area for workshops and testing, as well as a prototype facility for high-voltage batteries and inverters.
Central to the AEC is the world's largest vertical acoustic wind tunnel, measuring nearly 100 metres in length, 45 metres in height, and 25 metres in width. BMW said it is also the world's quietest.
This facility is designed to be exceptionally quiet, with a background noise level of 54.3 dB(A) at 140kph, comparable to a soft conversation.
BMW AG head of complete vehicle development Daniel Böttger said "quiet is premium," highlighting the importance of acoustics in the company's electric vehicle models.
The new wind tunnel is expected to significantly advance research in aeroacoustics.
The wind tunnel's design allows for precise measurement of vehicle noise caused by headwinds, with capabilities to test large vehicles like the Rolls-Royce Phantom and BMW X7 at wind speeds up to 250kph.
It employs advanced measurement technologies, including a 216-microphone acoustic camera for noise localisation and a laser vibrometry system for assessing vehicle vibrations.
The second section of the AEC is dedicated to electric mobility research, featuring 15,000 square metres for developing high-voltage battery prototypes and an additional 800 square metres for manufacturing inverters under clean-room conditions.
The spaces in AEC are designed to be “multifunctional”, allowing BMW to respond to various requirements in the future and rebuild the spaces within a short period of time.
