Q-PAC Fan Array Test Lab Accredited under AMCA 270

The accreditation enables Q-PAC to conduct controlled, repeatable airflow and performance testing for fans and fan array configurations at a scale representative of real HVAC applications. Q-PAC can use the resulting performance data to validate designs, optimize fan array configurations and support customer-specific equipment-development and application decisions.

“It is a significant industry milestone for the Q-PAC Lab to be awarded accreditation as the first AMCA-accredited laboratory for fan array testing in accordance with ANSI/AMCA Standard 270, Laboratory Methods of Aerodynamic Testing Fan Arrays for Rating.” said Nazme Mohsina, Senior Director, Certification, Accreditation, and Documentation at AMCA International. “It demonstrates the team’s technical competence and leadership, establishing Q-PAC as a pioneer in advancing fan array testing and moving the industry forward.”

Test range and measurement

Q-PAC’s accredited laboratory can evaluate airflow from 2,000 to 70,000 CFM (approx. 3,400 to 119,000 m³/h) at up to positive or negative 12 inches water column static pressure (approx. ±3 kPa). Its 12-foot-by-12-foot (approx. 3.7 m × 3.7 m) plenum accommodates both individual fans and larger fan array configurations, and was designed to exceed AMCA 270 requirements to support testing of multiple fans arranged together and establish performance data for Q-PAC’s Multimotor Plenum Fan (MPF) platform.

The laboratory captures and automatically logs key performance data, including airflow, static and total pressure, fan speed, input power, temperature and environmental conditions. Q-PAC's custom tunnel-control software automatically executes the test plan while still allowing manual control, and handles data collection and analysis — integrating PLC, LabVIEW, custom fan controls, automated dampers, and automated cone closures to improve consistency and minimize operator variation. This information allows Q-PAC to generate fan performance curves, compare configurations and assess the effects of changes to fan quantity, speed and controls before equipment reaches the field.

“We built this airflow tunnel to validate performance with the rigor it takes to turn ideas into knowledge, and knowledge into the next generation of fan technology,” said Ken Nguyen, Director of Q-PAC R&D.

For customer-specific applications, Q-PAC can use its accredited laboratory to perform the test-and-refine process internally. Q-PAC engineers can use measured performance data to validate designs, troubleshoot issues before field deployment, and compare configurations across a broad range of operating conditions. This helps them determine the appropriate fan quantity, speed, and control strategy for a given system without relying entirely on extrapolated data, external estimates, rules of thumb, factors of safety to account for system effects, or test-facility scheduling.

The facility uses an instrumented test environment, automated controls and a modular auxiliary-fan system to support testing arrangements aligned with AMCA 210 requirements, inclusive of 16 flow nozzles with automatic closures to provide airflow measurements across various operating conditions. The measurement system was designed to collect the parameters required by AMCA 270, including barometric pressure, rotational speed, input power, velocity pressure, static pressure, total pressure, temperature and nozzle pressure drop.

Design with simulation

The laboratory was developed in collaboration with Airflow Sciences Corporation. A key challenge was to combine this wide operating range, high pressure capability, measuring precision, and testing flexibility within a compact footprint. Computer simulation played an important role throughout the design process. Structural simulation and analysis were used to ensure the tunnel could safely withstand its pressure conditions, while airflow simulation was used to study how air moves through the tunnel and optimize the airflow path for accurate and consistent measurement. This allowed the design to be evaluated and refined virtually before construction began.

“Collaborating on this state-of-the-art AMCA 270 flow tunnel was a fantastic effort,” said Robert Mudry, president of Airflow Sciences Corporation in Livonia, Michigan. “Bringing this capability to life gives Q-PAC a powerful platform for advanced testing and product development, and Airflow Sciences is thrilled to have played a key role in making it a reality.”

Accreditation process

To complete the accreditation process, Q-PAC conducted a tailored test of its multimotor plenum fan product in a two-by-two plug-fan configuration. The process included verification of AMCA 210 and AMCA 270 protocols, including flow-uniformity and measurement requirements, as well as remote and on-site witness testing. AMCA also independently tested Q-PAC fans at its Chicago laboratory and verified that its findings were consistent with data generated in Q-PAC’s airflow tunnel.

Moving forward, Q-PAC will use the laboratory to expand its formal testing programs for individual fans and fan arrays, supporting customer and OEM engineering development as well as product designs. The tunnel was designed to be modular, so that it can accommodate different fan types, configurations, applications, and future technologies. For example, the test section and auxiliary fan section can be swapped, while the control software is being further developed. Q-PAC also plans to use the facility for collaboration with customers and strategic partners.