Cascade Temperature & Humidity Chamber

Industry: Aerospace & Defense

Testing Application: Gas Sensor Characterization for Military Applications

A prominent company in the Aerospace & Defense sector approached Associated Environmental Systems (AES) in need of a benchtop humidity environmental test chamber to replicate extreme environmental conditions and validate the performance of gas sensors for critical military use cases.

The challenge? The client required a cascade system capable of reaching a wide temperature and humidity range while also strictly adhering to secure facility protocols. Because standard network connections often face complex approval layers in these environments, the client needed a direct serial communication integration. This allowed the chamber to join an existing Modbus RTU multi-drop network without consuming additional system resources or triggering network security constraints.

The AES Solution

AES made the necessary adjustments to our standard BHD-208, a high-performance benchtop chamber built to meet the unique demands of the application.

• Secure Hardware Integration: To bypass communication hurdles in restricted environments, AES integrated a pre-programmed RS-485 adapter. This enables seamless Modbus RTU communication, allowing the chamber to be added to the laboratory’s existing serial network without additional infrastructure.
• Precision Environmental Simulation: The chamber maintains a wide range of -70°C to 180°C and humidity from 10% to 95% RH, providing the rigorous stability required for the precise characterization of sensitive gas sensors.
• Advanced Control Architecture: Equipped with AESONE CONNECT®, the system features an intuitive 4.3-inch touchscreen controller and a digital set-limit controller for enhanced safety and precision during high-stakes testing.
• Ruggedized Support Systems: The configuration includes a heavy-duty stackable stand with swivel brake casters for workspace flexibility and a 5-gallon water recirculation cart, ensuring a self-contained setup that doesn't rely on external facility water lines.

Crafting Your Perfect Test Set-Up

This solution was custom-engineered to meet Aerospace & Defense testing demands in secure, network-restricted laboratory environments. By combining reliable serial connectivity with wide-range thermal performance, AES delivered a system that seamlessly integrates with existing Modbus RTU networks, eliminating the need for complex IT approvals and accelerating characterization timelines. This project highlights AES’s commitment to designing advanced, customized test solutions that help engineers push boundaries by supporting innovation in the military and defense sector and beyond.