Ford Motor Company – Panther Diesel Engine Hot Run Facility
Spin designed and manufactured a complete turnkey Hot Run automotive test facility for production testing of Panther 2.0L diesel engines. The project comprised of 2 engine test cells housed in a bespoke 40ft ISO container with acoustic attenuation, a shared facility management room housing the fuel, coolant, pneumatic and nitrogen systems and the controlling electrical systems.
Each test cell includes:
- Test stand with dedicated quick release fluid connectors
- Bespoke engine coolant and fuel systems
- Fire hazard protection with a water sprinkler system, infra-red flash detectors and heat sensors
- Gas monitoring sensors detecting fuel or exhaust gas leaks
- Electrical enclosure housing electronic controls, switch systems and isolation. In here, the field wiring is terminated and distributed for sequence control of all engine and safety services
Engines are fitted to purpose made engine test trolleys. The engines are loaded outside the test cell and prepared for test. Starter motors are clamped into position. Guards are closed and interlocked for safe usage. The trolley is then pushed into the test cell ready for final connections and engine testing. The engine is checked for leaks before fluids are allowed on board. During engine test, circuits are carefully monitored for pressure and temperature control.
Each cell includes an HMI, the controls interface for the operator, to guide through the engine test sequence while at the same time displaying real time information about the engine on test. Engine test information is recorded on the Ford Quality system for reporting and stamped with test time, date and serial number.
- Control system includes a Siemens S7 PLC and Win CC SCADA HMI designed and built to appropriate Ford Standards.
- Dedicated PCM interface boxes with industrial quick connectors are provided for connecting the engine to the electronic management systems.
Spin shipped the complete unit to customer site in India and completed commissioning on site.
Extensive in-house testing and calibration carried out prior to shipment ensured minimum installation and commissioning time was spent on-site.
