NRC — Climatic testing facility

Type
EXPERT ADVICE
RESEARCHERS AND FACILITIES
Application Difficulty
HARD
Application DeadlineMarch 15, 2023
Time To Complete4 weeksProgram Budgetno cap
See If You Qualify

Highlights

This program is perfect for your business. It offers a unique opportunity to test your products under extreme climatic conditions. This can help you ensure your products meet customer specifications and perform reliably in any environment.

Key Benefits:

  • Test in any weather condition, any time of year: No need to wait for the right season. You can simulate snow, rain, freezing rain, ice, and fog on demand.
  • Pinpoint failure modes: Identify and fix issues before your customers do, saving you time and money.
  • Large and versatile test chamber: Accommodates even the largest commercial and military equipment.

Why Apply?

  • Boost customer confidence: Demonstrate that your products can handle extreme conditions, leading to early sign-offs and more orders.
  • Stay ahead of the competition: Know your product's limits and set operating guidelines to avoid in-service failures and warranty claims.
  • Convenient and efficient: Keep your test team in one location, avoiding the hassle of chasing weather conditions across the country.

Qualifying for this program is straightforward, and the benefits to your business are substantial. Take advantage of this opportunity to enhance your product's reliability and customer satisfaction.

Financing Details

Type of Financing: Grant

Repayment Terms:

  • No repayment required.
  • No interest rates apply.

Eligible Expenses:

  • Research and development costs.
  • Equipment and materials specific to climatic testing.
  • Labor costs directly associated with the project.
  • Travel expenses for project-related activities.
  • Data collection and analysis tools.

Ineligible Expenses:

  • General operational costs not related to the project.
  • Marketing and advertising expenses.
  • Office supplies not directly tied to the project.
  • Any expenses incurred before grant approval.

Fees:

  • No application fees.
  • No administrative fees.

Qualifications

  • Must be a business involved in testing vehicle, rail car, or component performance.
  • Must require climatic evaluation for HVAC systems, de-icing agents, or military vehicles.
  • Must need testing under severe climatic conditions ranging from -46° to +55°C.
  • Must be able to use a test chamber measuring 30 meters in length, 6 meters in width, and 6 meters in height.
  • Must be able to benefit from a full suite of instrumentation and 500+ channels for data recording.

  • Disqualifications:

    • Businesses not involved in vehicle, rail car, or component performance testing.
    • Businesses that do not require climatic testing for their products.
    • Businesses that cannot utilize a test chamber of specified dimensions.
    • Businesses that do not need data recording under controlled climatic conditions.

Description

This program offers your business a unique opportunity to test your products under extreme weather conditions. You can receive funding to use the NRC's climatic testing facility, which can simulate temperatures from -46°C to +55°C. This facility allows you to test your products in conditions such as snow, rain, freezing rain, ice, and fog, all in one place.

Benefits for your business include:

  • Prove your product meets customer specifications: Gain confidence from your customers and secure early sign-offs.
  • Test prototypes year-round: No need to wait for specific seasons; you can simulate any weather condition as needed.
  • Identify and fix issues early: Detect failure modes and performance limitations before your customers do, helping you avoid in-service failures and warranty claims.

This program helps you ensure your products are reliable and meet the highest standards, giving you a competitive edge in the market.

Program Steps

  1. Gather Required Documentation:

    • Business registration documents
    • Financial statements (last two years)
    • Business plan
    • Details of the equipment or products to be tested
    • Any previous test results or certifications
  2. Complete the Application Form:

    • Fill out the application form provided by the NRC Climatic Testing Facility. Ensure all sections are completed accurately.
  3. Prepare a Detailed Testing Plan:

    • Outline the specific climatic conditions you need to test.
    • Include the duration and frequency of the tests.
    • Specify any special requirements or instrumentation needed.
  4. Contact the NRC Climatic Testing Facility:

    • Reach out to the facility to discuss your testing needs and schedule a consultation.
    • Use the contact information provided: Don Leblanc, Principal Engineer, Testing & Evaluation – Advanced Vehicle Integrity, Telephone: 613-998-3979, Email: [email protected].
  5. Submit Your Application:

    • Send the completed application form and all required documentation to the NRC Climatic Testing Facility.
    • Ensure you keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.
  6. Schedule a Testing Date:

    • Once your application is reviewed and approved, work with the NRC team to schedule your testing dates.
    • Confirm all logistical details, including transportation of equipment to the facility.
  7. Review and Sign Agreement:

    • Review the terms and conditions of the testing agreement provided by the NRC.
    • Sign the agreement and return it to the NRC to finalize your testing schedule.
  8. Prepare for Testing:

    • Ensure all equipment and materials are ready for transport to the facility.
    • Coordinate with the NRC team for any final preparations or requirements.
  9. Conduct the Testing:

    • Attend the testing sessions as scheduled.
    • Work with the NRC team to monitor and record the test results.
  10. Review Test Results:

    • After the testing is complete, review the results with the NRC team.
    • Use the data to make any necessary adjustments or improvements to your products.
  11. Follow Up:

    • Maintain communication with the NRC for any additional testing needs or further assistance.
    • Keep records of all test results and documentation for future reference.
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