Air conditioning test laboratory

Heating, ventilation, pressure protection equipment, test runs, etc.

For test and examination routines in the laboratory and on track, we are able to record almost any measured quantities that are relevant in an A/C or climate controlled context.

Accredited test procedures

Our test laboratory in Minden is accredited by Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH (DAkkS) in the area of climate testing analyses on rail vehicles in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 for several testing areas.
The accreditation encompasses the relevant test procedures, e.g. in accordance with DIN EN 13129-2, EN 14750-2, EN 14813-2 and UIC 553-1. See the appendix for the accreditation certificate.

The detailed and latest list of activities/test procedures in the flexible scope of accreditation in the testing laboratory "Air conditioning" can be found in this PDF:

Prüflabor Klimatechnik- Aktuelle Liste Prüfverfahren im flexiblen Akkredtierungsbereich (Stand 06.08.2026)

Our tests and test quantities

Details:

Mobile measurements during active operation:

Measurement of the process variables pertaining to heating, ventilation, A/C and pressure protection equipment
Trial testing with high-speed trains for measuring, verifying and assessing pressure comfort levels as well as CO₂ enrichment
Trial testing for verifying air quality and thermal comfort levels
Long-term data recording (e.g. operating conditions, fault response and energy consumption) using data loggers and remote access

Our stationary testing facilities

Climate chamber of DB Systemtechnik: MEIKE

MEiKE - die Mindener Einrichtung für die klimatechnische Untersuchung an Eisenbahnfahrzeugen

Location	Minden, Pionierstraße 10
Operation	Stationary measurements
Use	Functional tests on components (e.g. doors, clutches, brakes) Climate type tests for railway vehicles Energy consumption studies: Analysis and evaluation of air conditioning systems Optimization of thermal comfort Thermographic studies Investigations on components of air conditioning and refrigeration technology Determination of the k-value of vehicles Simulation of the solar radiation on the driver's cab window
Test conditions	Temperature range in the test room from -25°C to +45°C snowmaking and icing Regulated humidification of the chamber air at temperatures of more than +10°C Local and temporal constancy of the test conditions in accordance with the relevant standards Test room size up to 75 m x 5 m x 5 m (LxWxH)

DIRK – A Real-World Test Environment for the Next Generation of Passenger Comfort and Climate Technologies

DIRK is an innovative test and demonstration platform where the next generation of passenger comfort and climate control technologies is brought to life. Based on a converted ICE coach, it provides a realistic environment for developing, testing, and validating solutions that make rail travel more comfortable, energy-efficient, and sustainable.

A unique innovation platform for testing future passenger comfort and climate technologies under near real-world conditions.
Jointly developed by DB Systemtechnik and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) to accelerate innovation in rail transport.
Enables rapid validation of new solutions, including HVAC systems, air distribution concepts, seating technologies, and radiant heating.
Advanced analytics and measurement capabilities provide deep insights into energy performance, air quality, thermal comfort, and passenger experience.
Supports the development of more sustainable rail systems by reducing energy consumption while enhancing travel comfort.
Bridges the gap between research and market application through efficient testing without disrupting railway operations.

PDF

Demonstrator for Innovations in Passenger Comfort and Air-Conditioning - DIRK

Filesize: 2.0 MB

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