Sensor competence for global test bench technology

Wherever in the testing and trial facilities of the industry the thermal performance of kinematic systems, new assemblies, or alternative materials must be measured, evaluated, demonstrated, and documented, hotset's temperature sensors prove their worth. (Image: shutterstock)

Sven Braatz: "Depending on the type, specifications, and requirements, our sensors are used either in the test benches of development engineers or directly in the test vehicles." (Image: Hotset)

Helge Meiritz: "Typical test bench applications for our thermal sensors can be found in automotive transmission manufacturing, in the development of maritime diesel or hybrid drives, or in turbine construction as well as in e-mobility." (Image: Hotset)

Hotset offers a wide range of high-quality thermocouples and resistance thermometers for temperature measurement, specifically for engine test stands and test vehicles in the automotive industry. (Image: Hotset)

As one of the leading manufacturers of thermocouples and resistance thermometers, the German company hotset is among the top addresses for international test and calibration bench technology. It offers a constantly growing selection of thermal sensors for stationary and mobile applications. They are suitable for operating temperatures of up to 1,600°C and are particularly reliable in the development of new drives, engines, and materials. Read here to find out which requirements the business area Temperature Solutions of hotset can cover in this specialized field of measurement technology.

Whether thinking of engine test benches and test vehicles in the automotive industry, development departments of turbine manufacturing, testing facilities in marine technology, or the evaluation of electric drives for use in e-mobility and industrial automation: wherever the thermal performance of kinematic systems, new assemblies, or alternative materials needs to be measured, evaluated, verified, and documented, the temperature sensors from the German manufacturer hotset prove their worth. Not least thanks to its extensive range of high-quality thermocouples and resistance thermometers, it has established itself as a technology partner in key areas of modern test bench technology. For example, renowned car, truck, and motorcycle manufacturers use various temperature sensors from the company's hotcontrol program in their test benches and climate chambers, as well as in prototype vehicles. Among other things, they measure the thermal behavior of transmission housings, disc brakes, glass panes, and exhaust systems. "Depending on the type, specification, and requirement, our sensors are used in the test benches of OEM development engineers or directly in test vehicles that operate on all continents and in different climate zones," reports hotset sales manager Sven Braatz.

Wide Range of Types

Currently, the hotcontrol brand includes a large variety of ready-to-install sheath thermocouples and resistance thermometers for contact measurement of solid surfaces and materials as well as liquid and gaseous media. While temperature measurement with thermocouples is based on the thermoelectric voltage difference between two wires of different materials, resistance thermometers use the temperature-specific ohmic resistance. The thermocouples for test bench technology can be used – depending on the design – for operating temperatures of up to 1,100°C. They are characterized by short response times, reacting very quickly to temperature changes. In addition, they are extremely robust against shocks and vibrations. Hotset offers them in many designs – such as wire thermocouples, self-adhesive surface thermocouples, sheath thermocouples, spring thermocouples, friction thermocouples, insertion thermocouples (for brake discs), as well as with suitable interfaces for connection to control and regulation technology. Resistance thermometers are also available in various variants. They offer higher measurement accuracy and excel with excellent long-term stability. "All our hotcontrol components are quality products, developed with the project and industry expertise we have gained as manufacturers of temperature sensors, heating elements, and control systems over more than five decades," emphasizes Helge Meiritz, head of the business area Temperature Solutions at hotset.

All Test Bench Scenarios

Across industries, hotset's current range of sensors covers almost all test bench scenarios where thermal or thermodynamic questions need to be verified. Typical application areas for the company's products – beyond automotive gearboxes and engines – include development environments for aerospace turbines, maritime diesel and hybrid drives, as well as turbo drives used in power plant technology and chemical process engineering. Especially when OEMs test new materials or designs, they often involve hotset early as a development partner. "Growing importance for us also comes from the sensor technology equipment of special test stands – for example, for fuel cells – as well as for electric vehicles in pre-series and testing stages," says Helge Meiritz.

As a developer and manufacturer of thermosensors, hotset supplies its sensors both to manufacturers of test and calibration systems and to their operators and users in nearly all areas of industry and research. Thanks to its in-house sensor development and high manufacturing depth, the company is always able to modify series products for specific projects or realize sensor solutions for new applications. "Our business area Temperature Solutions is also capable of manufacturing complete assemblies – often comprehensive solutions consisting of sensors and accessories. We can therefore also provide ready-to-assemble functional units for test benches and climate chambers," emphasizes Sven Braatz.