CHINO Corporation (President and CEO: Mikio Toyoda) has collaborated with Ono Sokki Co., Ltd. (President and Representative Director : Yuji Okoshi), a manufacturer and distributor of electronic measuring instruments, to jointly development the "Thermal-VRS Thermal Transient Bench (hereinafter: T-VRS)" for electric vehicles.
CHINO Corporation President and CEO
Mikio Toyoda (left)
Ono Sokki Co., Ltd. President and Representative Director
Yuji Okoshi (right)
New joint development
"Thermal-VRS Thermal Transient Bench"
The T-VRS is a test device capable of evaluating the thermal management systems of electric vehicles. This device allows for the simulation of a vehicle in relation to thermal management configuration. This enables high-speed and more efficient thermal management development by utilizing an advanced development environment that integrates real-world and virtual models, contributing to reduced development time and effort, and optimized energy efficiency.
Background of the collaboration
In conventional automobile development, which focused primarily on internal combustion engines, powertrain and HVAC (core components of automotive air conditioning systems) testing was conducted component by component. However, with electric vehicle development now the mainstream, the two companies have teamed up to development a testing device that leverages their respective strengths in order to conduct comprehensive vehicle testing.
Key points of this presentation
- CHINO Corporation and Ono Sokki Co., Ltd. have jointly development a thermal management testing device for electric mobility.
- Components related to thermal management can be tested by simulating the actual vehicle environment.
Target Market
- Automobile manufacturers and other companies involved in electric vehicles
About the Thermal-VRS Thermal Transient Bench
In development of electric vehicles, improving the overall thermal performance of the vehicle (the ability to efficiently dissipate heat and maintain an appropriate operating temperature) requires a significant amount of effort. To improve development efficiency and shorten the time to release electric vehicles, this is achieved by replacing manual processes with simulations in a virtual environment using dedicated software (model-based development). However, it would be even more effective if a test bench that can be used simultaneously with powertrain development could be implemented. Furthermore, we contribute with technology that can optimally control and utilize "heat" in evaluations aimed at "energy saving," "safety," "long lifespan," and "comfort." Ono Sokki has the know-how development realistic simulation models that require predicted values and approximation formulas, as well as general powertrain bench expertise. On the other hand, Chino has strengths in temperature "measurement," "control," and "monitoring" technologies, as well as ensuring reliability through "calibration." In addition, it has many years of know-how in "automotive air conditioning system test equipment and environmental test chambers," which contributes to the realization of Ono Sokki's simulation model technology. The "Thermal-VRS Thermal Transient Bench" is a system that enables thermal management testing without the need for actual vehicles, achieved by combining the know-how of Chino and Ono Sokki. Going forward, we plan to begin selling this test bench and install it at Ono Sokki's development and manufacturing base, the "Utsunomiya Technical & Product Center," to development test benches that anticipate the evolution of mobility.
Sales start date: End of 2026
Mikio Toyoda, President and CEO, CHINO Corporation
"The 'Thermal Transient Bench' is a system that combines Ono Sokki Co., Ltd.'s simulation technology for thermal management in automotive power transmission systems with Chino's technology for automotive air conditioning system testing equipment and environmental testing chambers. By reproducing and evaluating actual vehicle conditions without the need for an actual vehicle, it will lead to faster Model-Based Design (MBD) and improved quality. With the realization of this 'Thermal Transient Bench,' both companies hope to expand their market share in electric vehicle development in Japan and work together to move closer to carbon neutrality."
Yuji Okoshi, President and Representative Director, Ono Sokki Co., Ltd.
"We have jointly development an automotive thermal management evaluation device that combines CHINO Corporation 's temperature measurement and control technology with Ono Sokki Co., Ltd.'s multi-physical quantity measurement and analyzing technology. By using this device, it is possible to simultaneously visualize complex phenomena including temperature and energy, enabling the integration of evaluation processes that were previously fragmented. This will allow for a correct understanding of phenomena from the early stages development, and advance the decision-making of development. This testing device aims to solve the carbon neutrality challenges faced by the automotive industry."
[About Ono Sokki]
Founded in 1954, the company manufactures and sells electronic measuring instruments and provides various engineering services. In the same year of its founding, development Japan's first rotation for digitally measuring rotation speed of jet engines. In the automotive industry, it provides support for research and development and measurement technology in manufacturing process across a wide range of fields, including motorcycles, automobiles, automotive parts, construction machinery, food, and medical testing. During Honda's second F1 racing season (1983-1992), the company provided technical support to the company's victories, including the custom production of operation system for bench testing of V6 turbo engines. In recent years, the company has also entered new business areas to realize a carbon-neutral society, such as supporting development electric vehicles (EVs).
