First-of-its-Kind 16-Fan Tunnel Designed to Deliver Certified, High-Capacity Testing and Verified Performance Data for Complete Multimotor Fan Systems
Q-PAC, a leader in the design and manufacturing of advanced commercial HVAC fan systems, is constructing a highly advanced airflow tunnel designed to set a new standard in the testing of multimotor plenum fans and similar fan systems in the HVAC industry. This tunnel will allow Q-PAC to conduct in-house, full-scale performance tests on entire multimotor fan configurations, providing trustworthy and highly accurate data that go beyond the limitations of extrapolating from single-fan tests. With this new capability, Q-PAC customers can rely on certified system-level validation for enhanced confidence in performance stats.
A key advantage of the tunnel is its ability to replicate operational failure scenarios, such as when a single fan motor ceases operation. This feature will enable Q-PAC to deliver clear, quantified data on system resiliency and performance degradation, supporting informed maintenance planning and transparent communication regarding product reliability. Capable of testing up to 70,000 CFM, it ensures accurate evaluation for applications ranging from standard installations to high-capacity projects.
One point of significance is that this will be the first airflow tunnel certified to the AMCA 270 standard, providing industry-recognized validation of multimotor system airflow performance and establishing a benchmark for best-in-class testing. The tunnel is also constructed with future AHRI 430 compliance in mind, keeping Q-PAC well-positioned to meet evolving regulatory requirements and data needs of major OEMs, engineers, and facility designers.
The airflow tunnel is engineered to deliver high airflow performance compared to traditional test tunnels. Sixteen supply fans have been integrated to achieve high flow rates and enable the simulation of complex, real-world operations. Unlike single- or dual-fan tunnels, this setup allows Q-PAC to accurately evaluate unique multimotor system configurations.
The airflow tunnel features a 30-foot tunnel length and a 144-square-foot cross-sectional area, which accommodates full-scale, production-sized systems and a broad range of CFM conditions. Sixteen differential pressure nozzles, each individually controlled, provide precise airflow measurements tailored to varied test scenarios, enhancing fidelity and test flexibility. The tunnel is equipped for both push and pull-through configurations under positive and negative pressure conditions.
Static pressure testing up to 12 in. wc. exceeds industry norms for demanding environments. The design includes a removable supply fan section and interior access doors, enabling straightforward maintenance and equipment repositioning, and supporting rapid adaptation to diverse testing requirements.
Automation is built into the system to reduce manual intervention, accelerate test processes, and ensure highly repeatable and reliable results, even when mapping complex system performance curves. The integration of sixteen fans introduces advanced test complexity and unprecedented control, empowering Q-PAC to analyze full-system interactions, support forward-thinking product development, and anticipate real-world challenges.
For more information about the airflow tunnel and its capabilities, connect with a Q-PAC engineer at https://www.q-pac.com/contact-us.
About Q-PAC
Q-PAC designs and manufactures advanced commercial HVAC fans. The flagship product, the Q-PAC Fan, is the industry’s first multimotor plenum fan (MPF). Designed as a smarter alternative to traditional fan arrays and blowers, the Q-PAC Fan is a fully integrated solution that offers built-in redundancy, fast installation, and compatibility with modern building automation systems. With a focus on product innovation, speed to market, and full-service support, Q-PAC is committed to helping engineers, contractors, and facility managers solve airflow challenges with ease. Learn more at www.q-pac.com.
For more information, visit https://www.q-pac.com/.
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