As colder weather approaches, it’s important to take steps to protect your dynamometer and cooling systems from freezing. Freezing conditions can cause significant damage and lead to unexpected downtime. A few simple preventive actions can help keep your equipment safe and ready for operation.

Helpful Winterization Tips:

• Drain water systems when idle: If the dynamometer will not be in use, fully drain water brake circuits, cooling lines, pumps, and hoses to prevent freezing and cracking.
• Use proper antifreeze protection: When draining is not feasible, ensure systems are filled with an approved antifreeze mixture suitable for the lowest expected temperatures.
• Don’t overlook auxiliary components: Heat exchangers, external piping, flow meters, load cells, pressure transducers, and valves are often the first components affected by freezing.
• Maintain room temperature: Keep the dyno room heated above freezing whenever possible. If supplemental heaters are used, ensure they are safely installed and monitored.
• Insulate exposed lines: Adding insulation or heat trace to exposed piping and valves provides extra protection in colder environments.
• Inspect before startup: After extended cold conditions, inspect the system for leaks, cracked fittings, or restricted flow before operating the dynamometer.

If you have Evaporative Cooling Towers:

• Drain all water from pipes, basins, and the tower structure.
• Do not run the cooling tower supply pumps in extreme cold conditions.
• Depending on location of below ground reservoir, it may become necessary to circulate water to prevent freezing. Ensure you are circulating water with a pump(s) that do not supply water to the cooling tower. We also don’t recommend running the dynamometer supply pump continuously while the dynamometer is not in use.
• Take all necessary steps to prevent lines and pumps from freezing by draining water systems when idle. If the dynamometer will not be in use, fully drain water brake circuits, cooling lines, pumps, and hoses to prevent freezing and cracking.

Taking proactive steps now can help prevent costly repairs and ensure reliable operation throughout the winter months. If you need guidance specific to your dynamometer configuration, our service team is here to help.