TerraXcube

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terraXcube is Eurac Research's center for extreme climate simulation in the NOITechpark in Bolzano (South Tyrol / Italy).

In the climatic chambers of the terraXcube, the climatic conditions of our earth can be simulated up to extreme values. The pressure chamber technology is combined with the latest environmental simulation. In this way, the effects of extreme climates on people, on ecological processes and technical products can be investigated in a controllable environment. The climatic chambers differ in size and equipment. They can accommodate people, plants and other living beings for longer periods of time and offer space even for very large machines and products.

Research & Innovation

The environment that all climatic chambers offer is safe, accessible, controlled and replicable. In the terraXcube, researchers investigate the adaptability of the human body, plants and entire ecosystems to extreme altitude and climatic conditions.

Testing

In the climatic chambers of the terraXcube, products, materials and machines can be exposed to extreme climatic conditions in order to test their service life and functionality and optimize them if necessary. These tests are useful before starting a certification process.

training

Extreme climatic conditions make work and rescue missions difficult - sometimes make them impossible. In the chambers of the terraXcube, people - controlled and monitored - can practice activities under extreme conditions and test their interaction with machines.

Technical details of the main chamber (Large Cube)

General characteristics and room conditions

  • Internal dimensions: 12 m × 6 m × 5 m (L × W × H)
  • Total available area: 137 m² + 100 m² for setting up the tests
  • Access to the test chamber sliding gate: 3.6 m × 4 m (W × H)
  • Maximum permissible loading of objects and vehicles. up to 40 t
  • Simulated maximum altitude: 9,000 m ± 10 m (~ 30,000 ft)
  • Maximum rate of climb: 6 m / s (~ 1,180 ft / min)
  • Minimum rate of climb: 0.1 m / s (~ 20 ft / min)
  • Temperature range (according to IEC 60068-3-5): −40… + 60 ° C (± 1 ° C in the time ± 2 ° C in the room)
  • Temperature gradient (according to IEC 60068-3-5): ± 0.5 ° C / min (for cooling and heating)
  • Relative humidity (T> 4 ° C and according to IEC 60068-3-6): 10… 95% ± 3%
  • Humidity gradient: (T> 4 ° C and according to IEC 60068-3-6): 0.4% / min with cooling; 0.5% / min for heating
  • Wind up to: 30 m / s
  • Rain: 0… 60 ± 1 mm / h
  • Snow: up to 50 mm / h
  • Lighting day / night simulation: up to 1,000 lux
  • Control of the O2 concentration: 6… 20.9% ± 0.1%
  • Exhaust extraction system for vehicles 1,100 m³ / h
  • Maximum number of participants: up to 12 participants and 3 researchers

Technical details of the four small chambers (Small Cube)

Room conditions in each test chamber:

  • Internal dimensions of the individual test chambers 2.8 m × 3 m × 2.8 m (L × W × H)
  • Simulated maximum altitude: 4,000 m ± 1 m (~ 13,000 ft)
  • Maximum rate of climb: 6 m / s (~ 1,180 ft / min)
  • Minimum rate of climb: 0.1 m / s (~ 20 ft / min)
  • Temperature range (according to EC 60068-3-5): −20 to +50 ° C (± 1 ° C in the time ± 2 ° C in the room)
  • Temperature gradient (according to EC 60068-3-5): ± 0.5 ° C / min (for cooling & heating)
  • Relative humidity (T> 4 ° C and according to IEC 60068-3-6): 10… 100% ± 3%
  • Humidity gradient (T> 4 ° C and according to IEC 60068-3-6): 0.4% / min with cooling; 0.8% / min for heating
  • Rain: 0–20 mm / h (also rainwater)
  • Illumination system complete solar spectrum 280–900 nm, intensity 2,500 μmol / m²s
  • Control of the CO 2 concentration 400-1,000 ppm

Concept, planning and construction

In November 2010, Eurac Research developed the concept for the construction of the simulator, and in October 2013, funding was generally approved by the Province of Bolzano . A feasibility study was then carried out, which was completed in January 2015. In August 2015, the funding was confirmed by the Province of Bolzano. The concrete planning began afterwards and was completed at the end of the year and the call for tenders began. The facility was officially inaugurated in November 2018.

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ eurac: Technical sheet large cube. Retrieved July 16, 2020 .
  2. ↑ eurac: Technical sheet small cube. Retrieved July 16, 2020 .