OK Walk-in Environmental Test Chamber OK-STH-8.5m²

Overview

The OK Walk-in Environmental Test Chamber OK-STH-8.5m² is a large-volume, floor-standing climate simulation system engineered for system-level environmental qualification testing. Designed around the fundamental principle of forced-air convection within a thermally isolated enclosure, it delivers precise, repeatable, and spatially uniform temperature profiles across its 8.5 m² internal footprint (2000 mm × 2000 mm × 2000 mm). Unlike benchtop or upright chambers, this walk-in configuration enables direct human access during test setup, sensor placement, cabling, and in-situ monitoring—critical for evaluating full-scale assemblies such as electric vehicle powertrains, aerospace avionics racks, utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS), and telecom server cabinets. Its structural architecture integrates high-density polyurethane (PU) insulated panels, a load-bearing steel frame, and a hermetically sealed access portal with anti-frost heating and safety interlocks—ensuring thermal integrity, mechanical stability, and operator compliance under ISO 14644-1 cleanroom-compatible installation environments.

Key Features

• Modular, field-assembled construction using 150 mm thick double-skinned PU sandwich panels (thermal conductivity ≤ 0.022 W/m·K), enabling future expansion or relocation.
• Cascade refrigeration system with dual independent compressor stages (high-temp and low-temp circuits), supporting operation down to −70°C while maintaining long-term stability and minimizing oil carryover.
• High-efficiency air distribution: Four vertically staggered centrifugal circulation fans (total airflow ≥ 45,000 m³/h) coupled with symmetrical duct geometry ensure temperature uniformity of ±3°C across the entire working volume per IEC 60068-3-5.
• Programmable PLC controller with 10.4″ color touchscreen interface, supporting up to 999 segments of ramp-hold profiles, real-time deviation alarms, and password-protected user levels.
• Dedicated test ports (Φ100 mm, stainless steel, EPDM-sealed) for power, signal, and fluid lines—maintaining thermal and pressure integrity without compromising chamber performance.
• Comprehensive safety architecture including over-temperature cutoff, refrigerant pressure monitoring, door safety switch, and emergency power-off (EPO) button compliant with IEC 61000-6-2 EMC standards.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The OK-STH-8.5m² accommodates physically integrated test articles up to 1.8 m wide × 1.8 m deep × 1.8 m tall—including complete EV battery modules, photovoltaic inverters, UAV airframes, and rack-mounted data center hardware. Its open-access design supports simultaneous multi-point thermocouple placement (up to 32 channels via optional external DAQ integration) and live instrumentation feedthrough. The chamber meets core regulatory requirements for reliability validation workflows: temperature control algorithms are traceable to NIST-calibrated references; data logging intervals (1–60 sec configurable) satisfy GLP audit trails per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with OK’s optional secure software package; and thermal cycling profiles align with ASTM D3451 (coating durability), ISO 16750-4 (road vehicles), and MIL-STD-810H Method 502.7 (low temperature) and Method 501.7 (high temperature).

Software & Data Management

The embedded controller records timestamped temperature data at user-defined intervals and stores locally on an industrial-grade SD card (≥32 GB, FAT32 formatted). Optional OK-EnviroLink™ software provides remote monitoring via Ethernet or 4G LTE, enabling real-time dashboard visualization, email/SMS alerting on deviation thresholds, and export of CSV/Excel reports compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements. Audit trail functionality logs all user actions—including profile edits, manual overrides, and calibration events—with immutable timestamps and operator ID tagging. For GxP-regulated environments, the optional 21 CFR Part 11 Add-on Module adds electronic signatures, role-based permissions, and encrypted database backups.

Applications

• Automotive: Full-vehicle cold-start validation at −40°C; HVAC thermal mapping of cabin components; battery pack thermal runaway propagation studies under dynamic cycling.
• Aerospace: Ground-based environmental stress screening (ESS) of satellite payloads per ECSS-E-ST-10-03C; thermal vacuum pre-screening of UAV propulsion systems.
• Energy Storage: Calendar and cycle life testing of 480 Vdc BESS cabinets under combined high-humidity preconditioning and −20°C discharge stress.
• Telecom & Data Centers: Thermal derating analysis of 48 U server racks operating at 35 kW heat load; airflow optimization verification using infrared thermography through the observation window.
• Industrial Electronics: HASS (Highly Accelerated Stress Screening) of rail signaling controllers per IEC 62278, leveraging programmable rapid transitions between −60°C and +125°C.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable heat load from test samples?
The chamber’s cooling capacity is rated for continuous internal heat dissipation up to 8 kW. Customers must declare expected sample power draw during specification review to ensure adequate refrigeration margin.
Can humidity control be added post-purchase?
No—humidity capability requires dedicated steam generators, condensate management, and corrosion-resistant interior cladding. Humidity-enabled variants (e.g., OK-STH-H8.5m²) must be specified at order stage.
Is on-site commissioning included?
Yes. OK Instruments provides factory-trained engineers for mechanical installation verification, refrigerant charging, temperature uniformity mapping (per IEC 60068-3-5), and operator training.
What electrical supply is required?
Three-phase 380 VAC ±10%, 50 Hz, with dedicated 125 A circuit breaker and grounding resistance <4 Ω. Voltage stabilization is recommended where grid fluctuations exceed ±5%.
How is temperature uniformity validated?
Pre-delivery qualification includes 9-point sensor mapping (per ISO 16750-4 Annex A) across three horizontal planes at 25%, 50%, and 75% height, with results documented in the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) report.