Portable Conditioning Model

Industry: Aerospace & Defense

Testing Application: Deep space simulation with vibration and thermal cycling

A leading aerospace and defense company approached Associated Environmental Systems (AES) in need of a compact portable conditioning solution to simulate the extreme temperatures of deep space—while operating in tandem with a vibration table. The goal: condition a 3' x 3' x 2' test volume that included a 60 lb device under test (DUT) and a 200W live load.

Because of tight lab space constraints and the need for mobility between testing setups, the company required a highly portable solution with precise thermal control, rugged durability, and seamless integration with their vibration testing table.

The AES Solution
AES engineered a portable conditioning system, thePCM-213, with powerful performance in a compact footprint.

• Compact Design, Full Capability: Built to condition a 3' x 3' x 2' volume, the unit features a 48" x 48" external footprint, heavy-duty casters for mobility, and lifting rings for safe transport and positioning within the lab.
• Extreme Temperature Simulation: With a temperature range from -54°C to +180°C and a ramp rate of 3°C/min, the system delivers deep space simulation with precision. Cascade refrigeration and local air cooling allow for efficient operation without requiring external utilities.
• Integrated Connectivity and Control: The unit includes AESONE CONNECT® hardware and software, offering HTTP JSON API communication over Ethernet. Operators benefit from streamlined integration with lab systems, while a 4.3” touchscreen Watlow F4t controller makes programming and monitoring simple and intuitive.
• Flexible Ducting for Vibration Table Integration: Two 8-foot ducts allow for direct airflow to the DUT on the vibration table, enabling consistent thermal conditioning throughout testing.

Crafting Your Perfect Test Set-Up
This portable conditioning unit was purpose-built for aerospace simulation within a space-limited, high-performance lab. By delivering reliable thermal cycling in a 4 ft x 4 ft footprint, AES provided a solution that integrated seamlessly with the customer’s vibration testing and lab layout.

This project showcases AES’s ability to engineer compact, high-performing thermal systems tailored to mission-critical applications—supporting the innovation that drives modern aerospace and defense programs forward.