OK Walk-in Environmental Test Chamber OK-STH-8.38m²

Overview

The OK Walk-in Environmental Test Chamber OK-STH-8.38m² is a fully engineered, room-scale environmental simulation system designed for system-level and large-format product validation under controlled thermal conditions. Unlike benchtop or upright climatic chambers, this walk-in chamber features an internal usable volume of 8.38 m³ (2000 × 2000 × 2000 mm), enabling direct operator access for installation, cabling, real-time instrumentation, and in-situ diagnostics of full-sized units—including electric vehicles, battery energy storage systems (BESS), avionics racks, telecom server cabinets, and aerospace subsystems. Its architecture implements a dual-stage cascade refrigeration system (for models with ≤ −40°C capability) or multi-compressor parallel configuration (for −60°C/−70°C variants), coupled with high-capacity resistive heating elements and a high-static-pressure centrifugal air circulation system. Thermal conditioning is governed by a programmable PLC-based controller compliant with IEC 60068-3-5 for temperature uniformity verification and ISO 17025 traceable calibration protocols.

Key Features

• Structural integrity: Reinforced steel frame with modular polyurethane (PU)-core insulated panels (150 mm thickness, λ ≈ 0.022 W/m·K), sealed via tongue-and-groove interlocking and continuous gasketing for ≤ 0.5 ACH (air changes per hour) leakage rate.
• Large access door: Motorized, double-glazed observation door with anti-frost heating film, electromagnetic safety lock, and emergency interior release—compliant with EN 61000-6-4 for EMC and EN 60204-1 for machine safety.
• Thermal performance: Achieves ±1°C setpoint accuracy across the full operating range; maintains ±3°C uniformity (9-point measurement grid per IEC 60068-3-5) at steady state; supports linear ramp profiles up to 4.0°C/min (heating) without overshoot.
• Integrated utility interfaces: Four standardized Ø100 mm test ports with silicone-sealed feedthroughs for power, thermocouple, and Ethernet cables; optional LN₂ injection port for accelerated cooldown (upon request).
• Redundant safety architecture: Dual independent overtemperature cut-offs, refrigerant high-pressure switch, door-open alarm, and real-time compressor discharge temperature monitoring.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The OK-STH-8.38m² accommodates physically integrated systems that cannot be disassembled for chamber testing—including complete EV powertrains, 48V/800V BESS enclosures, UAV airframes, and 19-inch telecom racks. It supports load heat dissipation up to 8 kW (with user-specified thermal load data provided during quotation). The chamber meets structural and operational requirements referenced in ASTM D4332 (conditioning of plastics), MIL-STD-810H Method 501.7/502.7 (temperature/humidity), and automotive OEM-specific standards such as GMW14872 and Ford CETP 00.00-L-467. Optional IQ/OQ documentation packages are available for GLP/GMP environments requiring audit-ready validation records.

Software & Data Management

Control is executed via a 10.1″ industrial touchscreen HMI running OK’s proprietary ChamberControl™ firmware—supporting up to 99 programmable test cycles, each with 99 segments (ramp/soak/loop), event-triggered actions (e.g., relay output on temp threshold), and real-time deviation alarms. All temperature data from 16 configurable sensor inputs (Pt100 class A, 4-wire) are logged at user-defined intervals (1 s–60 min) to internal SD card and simultaneously streamed via Modbus TCP or OPC UA to external MES/LIMS platforms. Audit trail functionality complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with network-authenticated user roles and electronic signature modules.

Applications

• Automotive: Cold-start validation of ICE/EV powertrains at −40°C; HVAC performance mapping across −20°C to +60°C; battery thermal runaway propagation studies under controlled ambient gradients.
• Aerospace & Defense: Environmental stress screening (ESS) of mission-critical avionics per DO-160G Section 4; thermal vacuum pre-screening support; UAV endurance testing under diurnal cycling.
• Energy Storage: UL 9540A-compliant cell/module/pack-level thermal abuse testing; BESS commissioning validation per IEEE 1547.1.
• Data Infrastructure: Thermal profiling of liquid-cooled AI server racks under sustained 35 kW/m² heat loads; ASHRAE TC 90.4 compliance verification.
• Industrial Electronics: HALT/HASS pre-screening of rail signaling controllers, wind turbine pitch systems, and smart grid protection relays.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable thermal load for continuous operation?
Maximum continuous heat dissipation is 8 kW—subject to confirmation of sample geometry, airflow obstruction, and duty cycle during engineering review.
Can the chamber be configured for humidity control?
Yes—optional integrated steam humidification and dehumidification modules enable conversion to a walk-in temperature-humidity chamber (OK-STH-H series), meeting IEC 60068-2-78 requirements.
Is on-site assembly and commissioning included?
Standard delivery includes factory pre-test, crated panel shipment, and certified field assembly by OK-trained engineers—including thermal mapping, safety validation, and operator training.
How is temperature uniformity verified and documented?
Per IEC 60068-3-5, a 9-point sensor grid is deployed at three vertical levels; uniformity reports include raw data, statistical analysis (mean, max deviation), and uncertainty budget per ISO/IEC 17025 Annex A.
Does the system support remote monitoring and alarm notification?
Yes—via secure HTTPS web interface and SMTP/SNMP alerting; integration with SCADA platforms is supported through native Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, or custom API endpoints.