Munich. The new Aeroacoustics and Electric Drive Center (AEC) starts operations at the BMW Group's Research and Innovation Center (FIZ). After almost forty years, the old aeroacoustic wind tunnel is being replaced by BMW. The building consists of two halves: In addition to a multifunctional part with workshop, testing and measurement equipment and a prototype for high-voltage batteries and inverters, the AEC has a technically and structurally unique wind tunnel. With a length of just under 100 m, a height of 45 m and a width of 25 m, it is the world's largest vertical acoustic wind tunnel and at the same time the quietest.

“Quiet is premium,” says Daniel Böttger, Head of Complete Vehicle Development at BMW AG. “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 new AEC is another structural milestone for the BMW Group's development of future mobility solutions,” says Dr. Nicole Haft-Zboril, Head of BMW Group Real Estate Management. “About such a complex project

To be implemented 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. ”

Quiet wind for precise measurements and perfect aerodynamics

With a background noise level (54.3 dB (A) at 140 km/h), which is as low as a quiet conversation or a quiet air conditioning system, the noises caused by headwind on the vehicle can be precisely measured in the new wind tunnel. With a nozzle cross section of 25 m² and a maximum wind speed of 250 km/h, even the largest and most powerful vehicles such as the Rolls-Royce Phantom or the BMW X7 can be examined realistically. This is achieved through a blower capacity of 4.5 MW and up to 100,000 m³ of air per minute at 250 km/h. The wind tunnel is designed as an acoustic semi-free-field space. This means that apart from the sound-resistant floor, there are no sound reflections. This enables a realistic simulation of the situation on the road. The frequency range for semi-free-field conditions from 30 Hz is unique for a vehicle wind tunnel and covers the entire audible spectrum.

Innovative measurement technology, high flexibility and short changeover times

The acoustic wind tunnel is equipped with the latest measurement technology to drive vehicle development forward. A 216-microphone acoustic camera enables precise localization of background noises with an accuracy of less than one centimeter. In addition, the wind tunnel has a laser vibrometry system, which can be used to measure the mechanical vibrations of the entire vehicle surface synchronously and without contact.

The wind tunnel is also ideally equipped to study wind and rolling noises. A full-fledged acoustic all-wheel drive roller dynamometer can be used regardless of wind and weather to analyze the various phenomena. The wind tunnel is designed in such a way that it offers a high degree of flexibility when carrying out measurements.

The wind rolling sound makes it possible to separate the phenomena of rolling and wind from each other (wind on/off, roll on/off). In addition, various modules, such as a vehicle-accessible glass floor or a vehicle scale for motorcycles, can be replaced in a short time without moving the vehicle. This allows developers to test different configurations quickly and efficiently. With this unique combination of performance, precision and flexibility, the new acoustic wind tunnel in Munich sets new standards in vehicle development and opens up new opportunities for optimizing vehicle acoustics and aerodynamics.

In this way, the quietest wind tunnel and the most modern measurement technology can be used to ensure the best aeroacoustics for the Neue Klasse.

Flexibility is also of central importance in construction

The AEC basically consists of two buildings that were built in an excavation pit. Structurally, the special acoustic requirements were met with a special decoupling of the wind tunnel from the second “semi-detached house” and the surrounding area. The entire building, from the 3 m thick floor slab to the façade, is sound-insulated against noises from the surrounding area. The entire construction work was carried out in the outbuildings while development was ongoing. The wind tunnel was designed to be upright so that the building ground is used as efficiently as possible. This was the only way to completely meet all requirements for both buildings and to be implemented on the existing space.

Prototypes for the future of electric mobility: high-voltage batteries and inverters

The second “semi-detached house” of AEC is home to workshops, testing and measurement stands, and prototype lines. Here, the focus is also on electric mobility. The experts from the BMW Group are building and testing prototypes of future high-voltage batteries for electric vehicles here. 15,000 m² are available for this purpose on several floors. On a further area of 800 m², inverters for future electric motors will be manufactured on a pilot line — under clean room conditions. The inverter is a crucial component in an electric motor. His task is, among other things, to convert the direct current from the high-voltage battery into alternating current for use in the electric motor. In order to be flexible in the long term, the spaces in AEC are designed to be “multifunctional”. This means that the company will also be able to respond to various requirements in the future and rebuild the spaces within a short period of time.

Munich. The character of the Concept i4 is not only a product of its design, but also of its visionary sound profile. Hans Zimmer composed the sound of the BMW Concept i4 together with BMW sound designer Renzo Vitale under the brand name BMW IconicSounds Electric. BMW IconicSounds Electric will imbue BMW’s electric models with extra emotional depth by connecting the driver with the vehicle’s character on another level through individual tones and sounds.

“Renzo and I were inspired to bring together the past and future of BMW with the sound for the BMW Concept i4,” explains Zimmer. “We hope the sound we created is classic yet surprising and has a feeling of lightness that is fitting for the BMW brand.” The aural repertoire of the BMW Concept i4 stretches from the driving sounds in the Experience Mode “Core” to the more intense tones of “Sport”. Acoustic accompaniments to a door opening and when starting the car are likewise part of its soundscape.

Sound by Hans Zimmer is the starting signal for electric driving pleasure.

Hans Zimmer and Renzo Vitale presented the new start/stop sound in Zimmer’s Santa Monica studio back in November 2019. The ready-to-drive sound for all-electric BMW models and BMW plug-in hybrids will be introduced as a standard feature worldwide from July 2020. “The ability to design the sound in our vehicles makes it possible for us to spark positive emotions,” says Vitale. “The new start/stop sound is intended to instil a sense of excitement at the prospect of electric driving when the customer gets into their vehicle and begins the journey.”

BMW IconicSounds Electric.

The silence of electric drive systems is often cited as a major benefit of electric mobility. As the choice of electrified models increases, however, it also means some drivers are missing out on the emotional appeal of sound. Jens Thiemer, Senior Vice President Customer and Brand BMW: “Sound has always played an important role in the emotionalisation of our vehicles. Now we are taking the joy of sheer driving pleasure to a new level and are particularly pleased to be working with Hans Zimmer to create the new sound world of electric mobility at BMW. This collaboration will result in our forward-looking sound offering for electrified vehicles: BMW IconicSounds Electric.”

The BMW Concept i4 drive sound is the second developed for electric BMW vehicles with Hans Zimmer, following the presentation of the electric sound for the BMW Vision M NEXT at the #NEXTGen event in Munich in June 2019. “We have an extraordinary opportunity to turn electric driving in a BMW into a very special experience with the help of great sounds,” Zimmer commented in 2019. “I am relishing the challenge of co-designing the composition for future electric BMWs.”

Note: audio files can be downloaded here.