Laboratory for Alternative Energy Conversion (LAEC) provides analysis, testing, and material characterization services in the general area of energy systems. LAEC is equipped with a collection of state-of-the-art infrastructure and testing capabilities to assure high-quality tests in a safe environment. The following provides a list of available services. For more information please see our brochure or contact Dr. Bahrami (mbahrami@sfu.ca).

• Battery Services
  • research and development of battery thermal management systems
  • battery characterization and rating tests via drive cycle simulations and calorimetry
  • regularity compliance
• Thermophysical properties measurements (porous media, polymers, powders, pastes, liquids and solids)
  • thermal conductivity and thermal contact resistance (ASTM C177, D5470, C518; ISO/DIS 22007-2.2)
  • electrical conductivity and electrical contact resistance
  • permeability
  • specific heat
• Heat sinks and heat exchangers:
  • design and testing
  • numerical simulation and modeling
  • pressure drop and heat transfer measurements
  • heat exchanger rating
• Electronic cooling and enclosure design
  • analysis and testing utilizing a wind-tunnel and environmental chambers
  • temperature mapping with IR cameras
• Mechanical testing
  • micro- and nano-indentation (Vickers hardness; ASTM E92, E384)
  • compression, tensile and flexural testing
  • dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA)
  • surface roughness and out-of-flatness
• Air-conditioning and refrigeration services
  • laboratory and field testing (ASHRAE 16-1983, ANSI/AHRI 210-240)
  • leak detection