BMW Group has inaugurated its Aeroacoustics and Electric Drive Center (AEC) at the Research and Innovation Center (FIZ) in Munich. Replacing its 40-year-old aeroacoustic wind tunnel, the new facility integrates cutting-edge testing technologies and electric drive prototyping capabilities.
Setting New Standards in Aeroacoustic Research
At the heart of the facility is the world’s largest and quietest vertical acoustic wind tunnel, measuring 100 meters in length, 45 meters in height, and 25 meters in width. Designed as an acoustic semi-free-field space, the wind tunnel minimizes sound reflections to enable highly accurate simulations of real-world conditions. Key specifications of the wind tunnel include:
- Background noise level: 54.3 dBA at 140 km/h, equivalent to a quiet conversation.
- High capacity: Wind speeds of up to 250 km/h, supported by a blower capacity of 4.5 MW and an air throughput of 100,000 m³ per minute.
- Advanced measurement systems:
- A 216-microphone acoustic camera for pinpoint noise localization with sub-centimeter accuracy.
- Laser vibrometry for contactless measurement of mechanical vibrations across the vehicle surface.
This high-performance wind tunnel allows for the separation of wind and rolling noise phenomena, enabling developers to optimize aeroacoustics and aerodynamics efficiently. Modular features, such as a glass floor for motorcycle testing and a scale for vehicle weight analysis, further enhance the flexibility of testing configurations.
Daniel Böttger, Head of Complete Vehicle Development at BMW AG, emphasized the significance of this new facility:
“Quiet is premium. Our focus is on meeting the premium standards of our vehicles. An important part of this is acoustics — particularly for quiet electric models. The new wind tunnel enables groundbreaking advances in aeroacoustics research.”
Advancing Electric Mobility Development
Adjacent to the wind tunnel, the AEC’s second building focuses on the prototyping and testing of high-voltage batteries and inverters for electric vehicles. This space includes:
- 15,000 m² for battery prototyping: Spread across several floors, these areas are equipped for the development and testing of advanced high-voltage batteries.
- 800 m² pilot line for inverters: Operating under clean room conditions, this line produces prototypes of inverters—critical components that convert direct current from batteries into alternating current for electric motors.
- Multifunctional design: Spaces are designed for adaptability, allowing for rapid reconfiguration to meet future requirements.
Dr. Nicole Haft-Zboril, Head of BMW Group Real Estate Management, highlighted the importance of this flexibility:
“The AEC is another structural milestone for the BMW Group’s development of future mobility solutions. By integrating lean construction principles, we ensured that this complex project was implemented quickly, cost-effectively, and with high quality, meeting the needs of development and production seamlessly.”
Innovative Design for Sustainability and Efficiency
Constructed within a single excavation pit, the AEC’s two buildings are decoupled to meet stringent acoustic requirements. The 3-meter-thick floor slab and sound-insulated façade prevent noise interference, ensuring precision in testing and measurement activities. The upright design optimizes land use while accommodating the extensive technical and structural demands of both buildings.
Driving the Future of Electric Mobility
With its state-of-the-art facilities, the AEC enables BMW to set new benchmarks in vehicle acoustics, aerodynamics, and electric drive development. This investment underscores BMW’s commitment to innovation in sustainable manufacturing and electric mobility.
For more information about BMW’s advancements in vehicle testing and electric technology, please click here.
Source/Photo Credit: BMW Group
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