The largest drive-in environmental chamber in the country

TTI opened the Environmental and Emissions Research Facility in Bryan, Texas, in January 2010. The development of the facility resulted from competitive grant awards to TTI from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC), with additional funding provided by The Texas A&M University System and TTI. The $2.5 million facility is the largest drive-in environmental chamber in the country and the only one based at a university, that can conduct tests using a full tractor-trailer or bus.

The research and testing conducted in this facility help lower vehicle emissions, improve air quality in non-attainment areas that do not meet EPA’s air quality standards, and provide reliable, consistent information for state and national policy makers.

Facility Technical Specifications

• Temperature range: -13 °F to +131 °F (-25 °C to +55 °C)
• Relative humidity range: up to 70 percent at 104 °F (40 °C)
• 7,500 gross square feet
• Dimensions: 75′ × 23′ × 22′ (capable of holding a tractor-trailer or bus)
• Other equipment: solar loading lights and wind simulator fans

Environmental Facility Testing

The facility offers numerous opportunities for testing new vehicles, components and automotive products — as well as many other products — for their durability under severe temperature, humidity and other weather-like conditions. Tests cover areas such as:

• Emissions from vehicle idling for cars, trucks and buses, including “cold” starts
• Engine fuel consumption and emissions testing
• Hybrid technologies
• Clean fuels
• Vehicle components such as air conditioners, heaters and auxiliary power units
• Infiltration of pollutants into vehicles
• Emissions reduction technologies
• Evaporative emissions
• Alternative fuels
• Lubricants and oils
• Insulation materials
• Ability of plant material to absorb emissions
• Steel and concrete construction components
• Agricultural and food products

Schedule a Tour

Contact us to schedule a tour of the Environmental and Emissions Research Facility.