The Applied Research Labaratory - Automotive (ARL-A)

The laboratories of HTS Autotechniek (Automotive Engineering) are a part of HAN University of Applied Sciences and have been playing an independent role. As such, the institute has obtained a unique and independent position for making the available knowledge and equipment accessible for customers. The customers here are not only the departments within HAN Automotive Institute itself (HTS Automotive Engineering and the research groups) but also in SMEs, industry and governmental sectors (local, provincial and national).

In broad terms, HAN Automotive Institute focuses on 2 main areas: Vehicle Technology and Combustion Engines.

Our research facilities

ARL-A has a wide range of high-quality research facilities, for example:

• a BMW 320i with a Correvit Datron system for quantifying the vehicle’s road holdin
• H2Lab – hydrogen applications in the power train
• motor test cells, including ones with DAF/Paccar (AdBlue/Ureum) and Sensata (initial development of new sensors)

BMW project tyres

The BMW is used in the development project for tyres, in which we work with Vredestein. ISO norms are used for determining the vehicle’s road holding, e.g. using the Steady State Circular Test (understeer/oversteer behaviour) and transient tests (Slalom, J-turn, Lane change, etc.). In a research dissertation, the relationship was defined between the driver, the type of tyre and the measured road holding, with the ultimate aim of shortening the tyre development process.  

Technologies of tomorrow

Electrical drives are the power technologies of tomorrow. The fuel cell has a key role here, providing realistic perspectives for the future. A test rig has been developed in the H2Lab that can be used for testing the various components of an electrical drive unit. Not only that: the interrelationships, i.e. the control strategies, can also be developed. A second development in the use of hydrogen in power units is the use of hydrogen in a combustion engine. The conversion of a conventional vehicle so that it can run on mixtures of hydrogen and natural gas is an example of such a project.  

New sensors

In the field of combustion engines, research is being carried out on instructions from SMEs and the industry, as well as the internal studies that are being carried out in the area. The functionality of new sensors in the early stages of development is tested jointly with Sensata. The developments in the field of truck engines are very important in the battle for cleaner vehicles. DAF/Paccar is a key partner for us here, and we are looking at the development of a so-called “closed loop” control system for NOx reduction.  

Projects with students

Many projects are being carried out by and together with students from the Bachelors and Masters degree courses. One example of this is the Tuk-Tuk project. In this project, the existing power technology used in the current generation of tuk-tuks is being modified by students to improve fuel economy and achieve cleaner exhaust gases. Another example is the conversion of an electric forklift truck into an application using hydrogen - a power unit combined with a fuel cell and batteries.

ARL-A also provides support for the theoretical parts of the course. This could involve strain gauges on an axle construction, for example, or gaining insights into the effects of an ABS system during braking in a bend on a wet road surface.  

Depending on the requirements of the customer, projects can be carried out with or without the help of students.