With the increasing need for test facilities in today's highly competitive automobile market, many manufacturers and independent testing agents are utilising existing facilities to build new engine dynamometer test cells. These test facilities may be in existing plants, warehouses, or garages. This paper describes the challenges involved in designing a functional engine test cell ventilation system while dealing with the constraints of an existing facility. The main areas addressed in the paper include - 1. Physical space restrictions as they affect system design and equipment selection. 2. Engine dynamometer test cell heat load calculation procedures. 3. Temperature controls. 4. Post-occupancy evaluation of engine dynamometer test cells installed in existing facilities.

KEYWORDS: testing, designing, modernising, ventilation, motor cars, heat load, temperature control, economics, calculating, air conditioning.