One-of-a-kind research facility takes shape at UOIT
January 26, 2010
OSHAWA, ON. - Only months away from opening as the first research, development and innovation centre of its kind in the world, the Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE) is taking shape on the Oshawa campus of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT).
ACE will offer a full range of testing facilities under one roof, including one of the largest and most sophisticated climatic wind tunnels on the planet.
"When completed later this year, industry leaders, researchers and students will collaborate to create, test, and validate some of the most innovative products in the world, including the next generation of clean and green vehicles and energy systems," said Dr. George Bereznai, dean, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. "ACE will not only generate paradigm-shifting research, it will prepare the students of today for the jobs of tomorrow."
ACE will be a multi-level centre with an area of approximately 16,300 square metres. It will be divided into two distinct sections, a core research facility and an integrated research and training facility.
The core research facility will offer a climatic wind tunnel capable of wind speeds in excess of 240 km/h, temperatures ranging from - 40 C to 60 C and the ability to create humidity from five to 95 per cent. The wind tunnel will also have a large rotating chassis dynamometer to test road load and a solar array to replicate the effects of the sun. In effect, the tunnel will be capable of simulating extreme conditions such as driving a car up a steep mountain road in dry desert heat or through the middle of an Arctic blizzard.
"The potential of ACE is limitless," said Dr. Bereznai. "It is large enough to accommodate cars, trucks and buses, but it also has the capacity to accommodate locomotives, aircraft components and alternative energy technology such as wind turbines. Furthermore, ACE has the potential to be used to train military personnel, rescue crews and competitive athletes; to carry out performance testing of outdoor survival gear; to assist the movie industry; and test products that are subject to severe wind, humidity, snow, ice or desert heat."
ACE will operate as an independent test facility, available to manufacturers of all descriptions, start-up companies and researchers in Canada and around the globe. When funding for all aspects of the facility is secured, the total project cost will be more than $123 million.
ACE is being developed in partnership with UOIT, General Motors of Canada Ltd., the Partners for the Advancement of Collaborative Engineering Education (PACE), and the governments of Ontario and Canada.
To learn more about ACE please visit www.ace.uoit.ca.
About UOIT
As an innovative university, UOIT delivers a leading-edge learning environment that uniquely combines academic knowledge, research opportunities, hands-on skills and a vibrant student life. UOIT's more than 6,500 undergraduate and graduate students are taught by professors who are experts in their fields from around the world. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, the university offers a diverse array of challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its faculties of Business and Information Technology; Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies; Education; Energy Systems and Nuclear Science; Engineering and Applied Science; Health Sciences; and Science. UOIT's commitment to research excellence has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including five Canada Research Chairs. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.
About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.
Media contact
Tony Doyle
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2209
905.809.4763
tony.doyle@uoit.ca
