Job #VTX2019327_VTX2017248_FLX10443
Vortex Engineering has continually expanded its areas of expertise to meet unique customer needs, a testament to which was the design and implementation of a large, high-velocity wind tunnel for Insol Ltd in early 2021. This innovative project was orchestrated to assist Insol in realising their vision for a unique facade testing facility.
The engineering challenge was twofold: not only did we have to deliver the required airflow but also house all the machinery within an existing building, a key preference for our client. The intricate setup included multiple centrifugal fans, a three-meter mechanical turntable, and specialized ducting configurations. Computer modelling from our sister company, Fowlerex Technologies, guided us in determining the right equipment to generate flow velocities of up to 200 km/h.
The project is an exemplar of Vortex’s capability to offer bespoke solutions for highly specialised requirements. It involved contributions from other companies in the Vortex Group including Taylors Manufacturing, which built the fans, and Taurus Engineering, which constructed the test bed turntable. The result? A unique facility capable of testing 1:1 scale building facade elements for both structural integrity and wind noise. It stands as one of the largest and most powerful wind tunnel testing facilities in the Southern Hemisphere.
