Investment in Research and Development – ebm-papst completes laboratory center for 12 million euros

The new ebm-papst laboratory center, valued at 12 million euros, has been completed. (Photo: ebm-papst)

Markus Mettler, Technical Operations Manager at ebm-papst and responsible for construction (left), and Martin Schmitt, Department Head in Electronics Development in the new building. (Photo: ebm-papst)

Markus Mettler, Technical Operations Manager at ebm-papst and responsible for construction (left), and Martin Schmitt, Department Head in Electronics Development in the new absorber hall. (Photo: ebm-papst)

The high importance of its research and development is demonstrated by ebm-papst with the completion of a new testing center in Mulfingen. Covering over 5,000 square meters, the technology leader has created new laboratory spaces for analysis and functional testing in the field of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

ebm-papst invested 12 million euros during the 14-month construction period, focusing on the regional construction industry. "Thanks to our selection of local companies, we were able to adhere to the schedule despite Covid-19," says Dr. Stephan Arnold, ebm-papst Group Director of Research and Development. "This allows us to start the measurement operations as planned in the first quarter of 2021 and to analytically monitor the increasing use of electronics in our products."

Martin Schmitt, Head of Electronics Development at ebm-papst, explains: "In the new EMC test center, 50 employees from our electronics service departments will work in the future." A large part of the space is needed for the shielding and absorber halls required for EMC measurement technology. On one hand, these enable shielding from external interference sources; on the other hand, they achieve the simulation of a free field. "This makes it possible to conduct standard-compliant disturbance immunity and emission tests on test objects with a size of up to 60 m³ and a weight of up to 3.5 tons," reports Schmitt proudly.

For the Mulfingen company, sustainable thinking and acting generally have high priority. Under the guiding principle "GreenIntelligence," ebm-papst reflects this in its products, processes, corporate culture, and new buildings. The heat and cold generation of the new laboratories is achieved through combined heat and cold coupling. Excess heat, especially during the summer months, is used to drive absorption cooling systems. The heating and cooling of the rooms are largely provided by combined heating and cooling ceilings, characterized by high cold water temperatures and very moderate heating water temperatures from an energetic perspective.

"Through a special wiring of the recirculation systems and highly complex measurement, control, and regulation technology, we manage to save a total air volume of approximately 140,000 m³/h across processes," says Markus Mettler, responsible for construction at ebm-papst Mulfingen. "This has a positive impact on the consumption of air handling systems as well as on the thermal treatment of recirculated air and significantly reduces energy demand."