AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University’s Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering hosted a dedication ceremony on Nov. 17, 2022, to celebrate the completion of a new research lab that is one of only a few facilities in the nation equipped to test power control and transmission capabilities of large agricultural and construction machinery.
The Off-Highway Vehicle Chassis Dynamometer Laboratory (Dyno Lab) allows for controlled, dynamic testing of entire off-highway vehicles and is capable of testing vehicles up to 450 kW (600 Hp) per corner at speeds of up to 80 km/h (50 mph).
Based at Iowa State's BioCentury Research Farm, the $2.9 million Dyno Lab will enable students to dive into sophisticated traction, power train and vehicle chassis performance testing, while the researchers in this area can advance their understanding of sensing and control systems for off-road and agricultural vehicles as well as power train performance more generally.
Danfoss Power Solutions provided the lead gift of $1.8 million to develop the Dyno Lab. Danfoss is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and suppliers of mobile and industrial hydraulics and electric power train systems. The company was founded in Denmark in 1933 and today serves customers in more than 100 countries. The Power Solutions segment employs nearly 1,200 people in Ames and has had production facilities in the area since 1971.
Danfoss made its investment through the Iowa State University Foundation, a private, nonprofit organization committed to securing and managing gifts that benefit Iowa State University.