OK Environmental Systems OK-STH-8.22m² Walk-in Temperature & Humidity Chamber

Overview

The OK-STH-8.22m² Walk-in Temperature & Humidity Chamber is a fully engineered environmental test system designed for full-scale, system-level reliability validation under controlled climatic conditions. Unlike benchtop or upright chambers, this walk-in platform features a nominal internal volume of 8.22 m³ (2000 mm × 2000 mm × 2000 mm), enabling direct operator access for installation, cabling, real-time monitoring, and in-situ instrumentation of large-format test articles—including complete electric vehicles, battery energy storage systems (BESS), avionics racks, server cabinets, and aerospace subsystems. Its architecture implements dual-stage refrigeration (cascade compression cycle), high-capacity resistive heating, precision humidity generation via steam injection or ultrasonic humidification, and a multi-point air distribution system with centrifugal circulation fans and optimized ductwork—ensuring spatial temperature uniformity and dynamic response across the entire working volume. The chamber complies with structural and performance requirements outlined in ISO 16750-4 (road vehicles), MIL-STD-810H (environmental engineering considerations), and IEC 60068-2 series for environmental testing of electrotechnical products.

Key Features

• Modular insulated panel construction: 150 mm thick double-skinned steel panels with high-density polyurethane (PU) core (λ ≤ 0.022 W/m·K), factory-assembled with tongue-and-groove interlocking and stainless-steel cam-lock fasteners for field scalability.
• Reinforced structural frame: Heavy-duty galvanized steel skeleton supporting door load, internal fixtures, and optional overhead cable trays or mounting rails.
• Full-height personnel access door: 900 mm wide × 2000 mm high, equipped with triple-seal gasketing, anti-frost heating element on observation window, emergency interior release, and electromagnetic safety interlock compliant with EN 60204-1.
• Cascade refrigeration system: Dual independent compressor circuits (high-temp R404A stage + low-temp R23 stage) delivering stable operation down to −70°C; optional LN₂ assist available for accelerated cooldown profiles.
• Humidity control range: 20–98% RH (±3% RH accuracy, 25–85°C operating band), achieved via saturated steam generator with PID-controlled pressure regulation and condensate management.
• Intelligent control system: Siemens S7-1200 PLC-based controller with 10.4″ color touchscreen HMI, supporting up to 99 programmable test cycles, ramp/soak profiles, event-triggered logging, and alarm history with timestamped audit trail.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The OK-STH-8.22m² accommodates physically integrated test specimens exceeding 1.8 m in height or width—including EV powertrains, photovoltaic inverters, telecom base station enclosures, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms. Standardized test ports (φ50 mm, 4× on rear wall; φ100 mm, 2× on side wall) allow feedthrough of power, thermocouple, CAN bus, and Ethernet cables while maintaining thermal integrity. All electrical components meet IP54 ingress protection rating. The system supports traceable calibration per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements and includes provisions for third-party verification against ASTM E145 (Class I), IEC 60068-3-5 (humidity methods), and USP (for pharmaceutical stability applications requiring humidity control). Optional validation packages include IQ/OQ documentation aligned with GMP Annex 15 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures and data integrity controls.

Software & Data Management

Embedded firmware enables local program editing, real-time trend visualization (temperature/humidity/pressure), and CSV export of time-stamped sensor data at user-defined intervals (1 s to 60 min). Remote supervision is supported via Ethernet TCP/IP interface using Modbus TCP or OPC UA protocols. Optional OK-CloudLink software provides centralized fleet monitoring, predictive maintenance alerts (compressor runtime, filter saturation), and automated report generation (PDF/Excel) compliant with GLP audit standards. All recorded data includes immutable metadata: operator ID, chamber ID, test sequence number, calibration certificate expiry, and sensor serial numbers—ensuring full chain-of-custody for regulatory submissions.

Applications

• Automotive: Cold-start validation of BEV power electronics at −40°C; HVAC thermal mapping of instrument clusters under combined 85°C/85% RH stress; battery pack thermal runaway propagation studies.
• Aerospace: Environmental screening of flight-critical avionics per DO-160G Section 4 (temperature) and Section 5 (humidity); ground support equipment conditioning for satellite payload integration.
• Energy Storage: Cycle-life testing of 480 Vdc lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cabinets under 45°C/95% RH aging conditions; thermal shock evaluation of liquid-cooled modules using programmable 10°C/min transitions.
• Data Center Infrastructure: Thermal performance validation of 42U rack-mounted UPS systems under sustained 40°C ambient; airflow resistance mapping using integrated anemometer arrays.
• Industrial Electronics: HALT/HASS pre-screening of industrial PLC controllers; long-term reliability assessment of outdoor-rated solar charge controllers per IEC 61215.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable heat load from test articles inside the chamber?
The standard configuration supports up to 5 kW of continuous internal heat dissipation. For higher loads (e.g., powered EV drivetrains), custom cooling capacity upgrades—including auxiliary chiller integration or liquid-cooled condenser options—are available upon thermal load analysis.
Can the chamber be relocated or expanded after initial installation?
Yes. The modular panel design allows disassembly, transport, and re-erection at new sites. Additional sections (e.g., +2 m length extension) can be added using identical panel specifications and structural interface kits.
Is remote calibration and diagnostic support available?
OK Environmental Systems offers certified remote calibration services via NIST-traceable portable reference sensors, alongside live diagnostics through secure VPN-assisted technician access to the PLC and HMI.
Does the system meet cleanroom-compatible construction standards?
Standard panels use powder-coated steel; stainless-steel interior cladding (AISI 304/316), HEPA-filtered air supply, and electrostatic-dissipative flooring are available as factory-installed options for ISO Class 7–8 environments.
What safety certifications does the chamber carry?
CE marking per Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU; RoHS 2011/65/EU compliance; UL/cUL listing optional upon request for North American deployment.