BMW has inaugurated its Aeroacoustics and Electric Drive Centre at the Research and Innovation Centre in Munich. The facility features the world’s largest and quietest vertical acoustic wind tunnel, enabling precise measurement of aerodynamic noise in electric vehicles.
The BMW Group has inaugurated its state-of-the-art Aeroacoustics and Electric Drive Centre (AEC) at the Research and Innovation Centre (FIZ) in Munich; an important step in the advancement of next-gen electric vehicles (EVs). The facility features the world’s largest and quietest vertical acoustic wind tunnel, measuring nearly 100 metres in length, 45 metres in height, and 25 metres in width. The innovative wind tunnel enables precise measurement of aerodynamic noise, an important factor in enhancing the acoustic comfort of electric vehicles.
”To implement such a complex project in the shortest possible time, cost-effectively and with very high quality, there is a need for close integration between construction, development and production”
- Dr. Nicole Haft-Zboril, Head of BMW Group Real Estate Management
Daniel Böttger, Head of Complete Vehicle Development at BMW AG, emphasised the importance of this advancement, stating: “Quiet is premium. Our focus is on meeting the premium standards of our vehicles. An important part of this is acoustics—particularly for quiet electric models. The new wind tunnel enables groundbreaking advances in aeroacoustics research.”
The AEC is divided into two main sections: a multifunctional area equipped with workshops, testing and measurement facilities, and prototype construction for high-voltage batteries and inverters; and the advanced wind tunnel itself. This design facilitates comprehensive testing and development of electric drive components under controlled conditions.
Dr. Nicole Haft-Zboril, Head of BMW Group Real Estate Management, highlighted the collaborative effort involved in the project’s completion: “The new AEC is another structural milestone for the BMW Group’s development of future mobility solutions. To implement such a complex project in the shortest possible time, cost-effectively and with very high quality, there is a need for close integration between construction, development and production, as well as with all our partners and the City of Munich. The consistent use of lean construction is an important success factor here.”
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The wind tunnel operates at a background noise level of 54.3 dB(A) at 140 km/h, comparable to a quiet conversation or a gentle air conditioning system. This low noise environment allows for precise assessment of aerodynamic sounds generated by vehicles. With a nozzle cross-section of 25 square metres and a maximum wind speed of 250 km/h, the facility can accommodate large models such as the Rolls-Royce Phantom and the BMW X7. The tunnel’s blower system delivers 4.5 MW of power, moving up to 100,000 cubic metres of air per minute at top speed.
Designed as an acoustic semi-free-field space, the wind tunnel minimises sound reflections, providing a realistic simulation of on-road conditions. Its frequency range for semi-free-field conditions starts at 30 Hz, covering the entire audible spectrum—a unique feature among vehicle wind tunnels.
Equipped with advanced measurement technologies, the facility includes a 216-microphone acoustic camera for precise localisation of noise sources with sub-centimetre accuracy. Additionally, a laser vibrometry system enables non-contact measurement of mechanical vibrations across the vehicle’s surface. An all-wheel-drive roller dynamometer allows for the analysis of wind and rolling noises under various conditions, independent of external weather factors.
The establishment of the AEC underscores BMW’s commitment to advancing electric mobility and maintaining its position at the forefront of automotive innovation.
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