Kors Engineering Technology Assists General Motors in New Test Facility

Kors Engineering have announced that General Motors' global Powertrain Engineering Development Center will use a Kors-developed Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) program to monitor disparate systems to test engine, transmission and powertrain components at the new facility. Kors collaborated with AVL for the development of powertrain systems, to develop a PLC interface for test cell dynamometer controls.

"We are excited to work with AVL and GM to contribute to this world class test facility that will be instrumental in developing the next generation of efficient vehicles," said Kors Engineering President Tony Kaczmarek. "We've created a single core program for GM that can serve the dynamic purposes of 120 separate test cells, and operate nine different fueled, and six non-fueled cell configurations, including several hybrid test cells. Traditional programming methods would have created a maintenance and programming burden to track each of the applications."

The system uses PLCs from Allen-Bradley Compact Logix, and is designed to control the dynamometer peripheral Unit Under Test (UUT) systems which includes ignition, gearshift, engine/transmission conditioning systems and exhaust controls. In addition to controlling and monitoring the test cells facility, the technology also monitors and issues commands to the Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO), Air Handling Units (AHU) and building cooling water systems.