Transient driving cycle simulator test system

A transient driving cycle simulator test system for a prime mover, comprising:

• inertia wheel means operatively coupled to said prime mover for simulating vehicle acceleration and deceleration horsepower requirements, said inertia wheel means including a cylindrical housing which substantially encloses said inertia wheel means and supports a central shaft rotatably mounted to said housing, at least one flywheel mounted to said central shaft, and a pair of disc brakes mounted to said housing such that said flywheel is interposed between said disc brakes;
• dynamometer means operatively coupled to said inertia wheel means for simulating vehicle road-load horsepower requirements;
• and
• microcomputer control circuit means for providing closed-loop control of said prime mover, said pair of disc brakes and said dynamometer means in response to a set of predetermined transient driving cycle specifications.

An inertia wheel assembly for simulating vehicle acceleration and deceleration horsepower requirements for a prime mover in a transient driving cycle simulator test system comprising:

• a generally cylindrical housing;
• a central shaft rotatably mounted to said housing and extending therethrough;
• at least one flywheel coaxially mounted on said central shaft such that said flywheel will rotate therewith;
• brake means for simulating braking of said vehicle mounted to said housing in association with said central shaft for selectively retarding the rotation of said central shaft, said brake means including a pair of caliper-type disc brakes disposed substantially coaxially around said central shaft such that said flywheel is interposed between said disc brake, and
• coupling means for connecting one end of said central shaft to said prime mover.