Gellowen Science, a global leader in advanced environmental and thermal testing solutions, has successfully installed its customized Porton Thermal Manikin Equipment at a leading research and development facility in Germany. This successful deployment not only marks the first entry of Gellowen Science’s high-precision thermal manikin systems into the European R&D sector but also demonstrates China’s technological capabilities in advanced environmental testing equipment.
Why the Porton Thermal Manikin Equipment Stands Out
Compact Modular Design, Tailored for Limited Lab Spaces
The German R&D facility is located in the heart of Munich, with laboratory space constrained by historic building layouts. Traditional full-scale thermal testing rigs were difficult to accommodate. The Porton Thermal Manikin Equipment features a modular, transportable design. Gellowen Science’s engineering team split the system into three independently transportable modules based on floor plans, access routes, and surrounding facilities. Once assembled on-site, the manikin room measures 3m × 2m × 2.5m, capable of simultaneously accommodating multiple thermal manikins while fitting within the tight laboratory footprint without requiring structural modifications.
Nanometer-Level Temperature Control for Accurate Thermal Testing
Precision thermal evaluation requires extremely stable environmental conditions. Even minor fluctuations in temperature or humidity can compromise data accuracy. Porton-man was commissioned by the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) to accurately represent military users. This is a state-of-the-art robotic model designed for the UK Armed Forces to test Chemical and biological (CB) protective clothing and equipment.
The porton-man is computer-controlled, and when connected to its drive frame, it can walk like an infantryman, travel (at 0.5 m/s to 1 m/s)， run, sit (at 2 m/s to 3 m/s)， kneel, climb stairs and raise its arms as if seeing a weapon. More than 100 sensors throughout the body can record data during testing, allowing scientists to perform real-time analysis.
Its intelligent climate control system adjusts heating and cooling power based on real-time manikin surface feedback, ensuring consistent thermal exposure and providing reliable testing data for R&D engineers.
Vibration-Free and Silent Operation Protects Sensitive Measurements
Thermal manikins rely on highly sensitive sensors and actuators, which can be disturbed by vibration or mechanical noise. The system employs floating fans, vibration-isolated compressors, and dual-layer acoustic insulation. Operating vibration remains below 0.01g and noise levels under 45dB, preventing interference with delicate sensor readings. Soft silicone mounts secure the manikins, avoiding scratches or mechanical disturbance.
Intelligent Data Collection and Analysis Streamlines Research
The Porton system supports over 120 high-precision data acquisition channels, monitoring temperature, humidity, and manikin responses in real-time. Integrated AI analytics automatically identify anomalies or trends, generate comprehensive reports, and support R&D decision-making. Compared with traditional manual logging, this solution increases testing efficiency by over 60%, enabling faster innovation cycles.
Localized Support Ensures Seamless Operation in Europe
Gellowen Science has established a dedicated service center in Frankfurt, Germany, to provide timely technical support. Engineers are dispatched within 12 hours of a service request. Additionally, local teams provide operational training and preventive maintenance schedules, ensuring continuous, stable performance of the equipment. This localized support model was a decisive factor for the German facility in choosing Gellowen Science’s system.
Driving Innovation and Global Collaboration
As demand for precise thermal and environmental testing grows across Europe, Gellowen Science aims to expand its international footprint, combining technological innovation, custom solutions, and local support. This successful project also strengthens Sino-German collaboration in high-precision testing and is expected to pave the way for more Chinese high-tech testing equipment entering European markets.
