Abstract:
A method for determining the power of a test specimen, in particular of an internal combustion engine, includes a measuring device for registering the time profile of the rotational speed of an output shaft of the test specimen. To determine the power at a specific time, the time profile of the rotational speed is exclusively measured. The test specimen is tested, here, within a time period during which there is no necessity for forced cooling. In addition, the invention relates to a measuring device and to a power test bench for carrying out the method according to the invention.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation, under 35 U.S.C. § 120, of copending international application No. PCT/EP02/13824, filed Dec. 6, 2002, which designated the United States; this application also claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, of German patent application No. 101 62 786.6, filed Dec. 20, 2001; the prior applications are herewith incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The invention relates to a method for determining the power of a test specimen, for example, of an internal combustion engine, using a power test bench. In addition, the invention relates to a measuring device for measuring the power of the test specimen with at least one measured value pickup and with an evaluation device that interacts with the at least one measured value pickup. The invention further relates to a power test bench for the test specimen with the measuring device, with a rack in which the test specimen can be secured in a test position, with a starter for the test specimen, which starter is connected to the test specimen with a coupling and measuring device, and with a data processing system for controlling a power-measuring test.  
         [0004]     Previous, generally known methods for determining the power of a test specimen require complex test preparation in which the test specimen is connected to the test device and its power is normally determined under real loading conditions.  
         [0005]     The real loading conditions are, frequently, brought about here by a brake motor or a brake that simulates the load, the brake motor or the brake usually acting on the output shaft of the test specimen and, additionally, having to have the same power output and capability as the test specimen to be able to test the test specimen. Here, in particular, electric motors are configured as brake motors and their power drain is used to determine the power of the test specimen. Both electric motors and eddy current brakes are known as such brake drives.  
         [0006]     If, for example, an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle is to be tested, this initially requires considerable equipping time to be able to make it ready for testing as a test specimen. The testing including, for example, the connection of the media supply systems to the test specimen, such as control lines, propellant supply and coolant feed. Afterwards, the testing of the load itself takes a comparatively long time, typically approximately 20 to 30 minutes for the engine of a motor vehicle, to obtain the necessary power values. This constitutes a considerable degree of expenditure.  
         [0007]     Mainly all internal combustion engines that output power are possible as test specimens, that is to say, for example, internal combustion piston engines of motor vehicles or turbines. Machines that have a drive power of at least 20 kW are to be referred to here as test specimens.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a method for determining the power of a test specimen, measuring device, and power test bench for the test specimen that overcome the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that shorten the test time and, in addition, reduce the measuring expenditure.  
         [0009]     With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a method for determining the power of a test specimen having an output shaft, including the steps of registering a time profile of a rotational speed of the output shaft of the test specimen with a measuring device, exclusively measuring the time profile of the rotational speed with the measuring device to determine the power of the test specimen at a specific time, and testing the test specimen within a time period during which there is no necessity for forced cooling of the test specimen.  
         [0010]     With the objects of the invention in view, there is also provided a method for determining the power of an internal combustion engine having an output shaft, including the steps of registering a time profile of a rotational speed of the output shaft of the internal combustion engine with a measuring device, exclusively measuring the time profile of the rotational speed with the measuring device to determine the power of the internal combustion engine at a specific time, and testing the internal combustion engine within a time period during which there is no necessity for forced cooling of the internal combustion engine.  
         [0011]     The method according to the invention requires, for determining the power of a test specimen, a measuring device for registering the time profile of the rotational speed of an output shaft of the test specimen. The time profile of the rotational speed is measured to determine the power at a specific time, and the test specimen is tested within a time period during which there is no necessity for forced cooling. That is to say, the waste heat that is produced during operation is mainly absorbed by the test specimen based upon its heat capacity and is partially output again to the environment by radiated and convected heat.  
         [0012]     An important advantage of the method according to the invention for determining the power of the test specimen is that only the rotational speed is measured in conjunction with time as measured variables. As a result, the expenditure on instrumentation and measurement is considerably reduced in comparison to the previously known methods.  
         [0013]     On one hand, the time period within which the testing is carried out is advantageously short. The testing of the power is specifically carried out in such a short time that the heat loss produced as a result of the combustion is absorbed overwhelmingly by the test specimen without, however, overheating occurring unacceptably. That is to say, during the testing of the power, no operating states are reached that allow the test specimen to experience extreme wear or even damage. Mainly, the heat capacity of the test specimen is used to absorb the waste heat. Accordingly, it is also no longer necessary to connect a device for forced cooling to the test specimen for the duration of the measurement of the power. Overall, according to the invention, the testing time of a typical piston internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle can be shorted to approximately 1 minute.  
         [0014]     In accordance with another feature of the invention, the power of the test specimen is calculated at the specific time by the formula: 
 
 P ( t )= I[kgM   2 ]*100 *a ( t )+ M   fric ω( t ), 
 
 where: 
    P(t) is the power P at the specific time t;     I is the mass moment of inertia of the entire rotary mass that is moved or accelerated by the test specimen;     a(t) is the angular acceleration at the specific time t;     M fric  is the moment of friction of the entire rotary mass that is moved by the test specimen, the moment of friction counteracting the rotational movement or rotational acceleration; and     ω(t) is the angular speed at the specific time t.    
 
         [0020]     From the formula, it is apparent that the power is, now, only dependent on the rotational speed and the time and is, accordingly, advantageously simple, the rotational speed being per se already a time-dependent variable. With the measurement of the time profile of the rotational speed, it is also readily possible to determine the angular speed, that is to say, the time derivative of the rotational speed, or the angular acceleration, that is to say, the time derivative of the angular speed, for a power point. It will be possible to carry out the calculation of the angular speed and of the angular acceleration all the better the more precise the measurement of the time profile of the rotational speed.  
         [0021]     An assumption that advantageously easily configures the method according to the invention can be arrived at by assuming that the moment of friction and the mass moment of inertia are constant. These variables are inserted into the formula as constants, this assumption already leading to sufficiently good results during the determination of the power.  
         [0022]     Alternatively, the results of the determination of the power are improved if the mass moment of inertia is assumed to be constant but the moment of friction is inserted into the formula according to a moment of friction curve that is specifically determined in advance for the type of test specimen and is dependent on the rotational speed.  
         [0023]     Accordingly, the moment of friction is also dependent on the rotational speed. Such dependence can be derived, for example, according to the generally known physical rules or by measurements for the respective type of test specimen, that is to say, determined empirically. The moment of friction curve that is determined is, then, stored and is available for the calculation of the power points.  
         [0024]     In accordance with a further mode of the invention, the test specimen is tested in a test bench that is set up for such power testing. The test bench is adapted, in an optimum way, to the test conditions and, as such, provides sufficiently good test conditions.  
         [0025]     In accordance with an added mode of the invention, the procedure for testing the test specimen is, first, driven by a starter until a predefined rotational speed that is specific to the test specimen is reached. In the case of internal combustion engines, the idling rotational speeds, typically here rotational speeds between 400 and 1,400 revolutions per minute (rpm), are frequently the rotational speeds that are predefined for this method step. The engine is, then, under particularly favorable starting conditions. In the case of turbines, the typical predefined rotational speeds can be significantly higher, for example, 3,000 rpm and higher.  
         [0026]     In accordance with an additional mode of the invention, the test specimen is switched on when a previously defined rotational speed for automatic operation is reached. If particularly favorable starting conditions are to prevail, the predefined rotational speed is the predefinable rotational speed. However, in principle, a minimum rotational speed is sufficient as the defined rotational speed at which the test specimen can just still be started. The advantage here is that a starter that is required to reach the defined rotational speed can be made particularly small.  
         [0027]     In accordance with yet another mode of the invention, after the specific rotational speed is reached or if the test specimen is running in the automatic mode, the starter is switched off. This means that the test specimen outputs power and, accordingly, already drives its output shaft automatically if the starter is switched off. This avoids the measurement of the power being influenced by a further active drive or brake drive. This is a particular advantage of the invention with such power measurement according to the invention. Accordingly, in particular, the rotor of the starter turns, as already explained, without an independent drive but is also driven by the test specimen. In such a case, the mass moment of inertia of the rotating masses of the starter is to be taken into account in the calculation of the entire mass moment of inertia.  
         [0028]     However, the starter can also be decoupled from the test specimen. Its rotary mass is, then, not taken into account in the calculation of the entire mass moment of inertia. The test specimen can, advantageously, be accelerated quickly or rotational-speed accelerated.  
         [0029]     In accordance with yet a further mode of the invention, the test specimen is accelerated up to a maximum rated rotational speed when operating under its own power. This provides a comparatively short test time.  
         [0030]     In accordance with yet an added mode of the invention, the test time is shortened further if the acceleration is carried out with the predefinition of a full load value for the rotational speed. The test time is, then, advantageously minimized.  
         [0031]     In accordance with yet an additional mode of the invention, a number of power levels of the test specimen to be determined at defined rotational speed values, for the power points between the measured rotational speeds to be connected by an interpolation method, in particular, a linear one, and for the power curve that is so determined to be stored as a function of a rotational speed and, if appropriate, the measured values. The objective of the power determination is frequently, in addition to a power point, for example, the maximum power or an individual power at the predetermined operating point, to obtain a power curve, for example, because the power characteristic of a car engine is to be determined.  
         [0032]     This is, advantageously, achieved by the method steps described above.  
         [0033]     In accordance with again another mode of the invention, the test specimen is placed in a test position in the test bench where the power testing is to be carried out.  
         [0034]     In accordance with again a further mode of the invention, the test specimen is removably fixedly connected to the test bench in the test position.  
         [0035]     In accordance with again an added mode of the invention, there are provided the steps of providing a starter for starting the test specimen and coupling the starter to the output shaft of the test specimen with a coupling device.  
         [0036]     In accordance with again an additional mode of the invention, the starter is coupled to the output shaft of the test specimen by interposing a measuring and coupling device.  
         [0037]     In accordance with still another mode of the invention, a fuel supply device is connected to the test specimen.  
         [0038]     In accordance with still a further mode of the invention, the test specimen is provided with a control system and control and data lines are connected for actuating the test specimen.  
         [0039]     In accordance with still an added mode of the invention, the test specimen has an exhaust gas system, and an exhaust gas discharge line device is connected to the exhaust gas system of the test specimen, and the exhaust gas discharge line device carries away any exhaust gases produced during a test from a region of the test bench.  
         [0040]     In accordance with still an additional feature of the invention, the measured values to be picked up by an evaluation device and, if appropriate, represented graphically and made available for further data processing. Accordingly, the evaluation device represents both the measured data and the data evaluation in the form of stored results data or already as graphics. As such, the quality of the test specimen can be recognized by a first visual check. Likewise, it becomes possible to use the measured data and the results data to automate the checking as to whether or not the power testing was successful.  
         [0041]     In accordance with another feature of the invention, there is provided the step of controlling and/or regulating a test sequence of the test specimen with a control device.  
         [0042]     With the objects of the invention in view, there is also provided a power test bench for a test specimen, in particular, for an internal combustion engine, for carrying out the method according to the invention with a measuring device including a measuring device for measuring a time profile of a rotational speed of the test specimen, a rack in which the test specimen is to be secured in a test position, a starter for starting the test specimen, the starter being at least temporarily connected to the test specimen, a data processing system for controlling a sequence of a power measurement test of the test specimen, and the measuring device, the rack, the starter, and the data processing system testing the test specimen within a time period during which there is no need for forced cooling of the test specimen.  
         [0043]     With the objects of the invention in view, there is also provided a power test bench for a test specimen, including a measuring device for measuring a time profile of a rotational speed of the test specimen, a rack in which the test specimen is to be secured in a test position, a starter for starting the test specimen, the starter being at least temporarily connected to the test specimen, a data processing system for controlling a sequence of a power measurement test of the test specimen, and the measuring device, the rack, the starter, and the data processing system not needing a device for forced cooling of the test specimen to test the test specimen.  
         [0044]     The method according to the invention can be implemented particularly favorably with a power test bench that is so configured. Accordingly, the power measurement can be carried out in a time period during which forced cooling is avoided. Forced cooling can be understood to be any method of feeding coolant, for example, a coolant circuit or a coolant blower or system. Such devices that are otherwise customary are completely absent from the invention and constitute an important advantage of the invention. The test time is, accordingly, advantageously shortened and, in addition, the expenditure on measuring is reduced as a result of the shortened test time and as a result of the rotational speed to be measured or as a result of the measurement of time in the measuring expenditure.  
         [0045]     In accordance with a further feature of the invention, there is a table device that is permanently connected to the rack and on which the starter is disposed. Such a configuration is better organized and, in particular, the starter is easily accessible. In addition, the table device provides a working plane to which reference can be made particularly favorably. For example, the measuring and coupling device can also be easily mounted on the table device. In addition, the plane of the table can serve as measures for orienting the test specimen to prepare for the power measurement.  
         [0046]     In accordance with an added feature of the invention, the test specimen has an output shaft, the starter has a shaft, and a coupling and measuring device is disposed between the shaft of the starter and the output shaft of the test specimen.  
         [0047]     In accordance with an additional feature of the invention, one favorable development of the power test bench according to the invention is obtained if the starter is configured only for driving the test specimen to a previously determined rotational speed, in particular, an idling rotational speed. As such, a particularly small, space-saving refinement of the starter is obtained. The function of the starter is, in contrast to the otherwise customary brake motors, already achieved by virtue of the fact that the starter accelerates the test specimen to a specific rotational speed. The rotational speed already may have been reached in an internal combustion engine if a starting rotational speed permits the engine to be started so that it runs automatically. However, there is the risk, here, of the engine not starting at the first attempt, for whatever reasons. Therefore, the starter can also, in particular, be configured such that it drives the test specimen up to an idling rotational speed. Experience has shown that such a configuration ensures such good starting conditions that the test specimen generally already starts at the first start attempt.  
         [0048]     In accordance with yet another feature of the invention, an important measure when measuring power is to secure the test specimen securely on or to the power test bench. In addition to the at least one securing device that is provided for such a purpose, in one development of the invention, a retaining device is additionally disposed on the rack, by which device the test specimen can be clamped against the rack or the lifting device and can be secured against shaking loose for the test operation. This component, advantageously, improves the connection of the test specimen to the test bench. The risk of the test specimen shaking loose is, thus, lower. In addition, the oscillation excitation and vibrations caused by the test specimen are damped better.  
         [0049]     In accordance with yet a further feature of the invention, the coupling and measuring device is to be selectively coupled to or decoupled from the output shaft of the test specimen.  
         [0050]     In accordance with yet an added feature of the invention, there is provided a fuel-coupling device disposed at the rack and a fuel supply device, the fuel-coupling device configured to connect the fuel supply device to a propellant system.  
         [0051]     In accordance with yet an additional feature of the invention, the test specimen has an exhaust gas system, a sealing device is to be connected to the exhaust gas system of the test specimen, and the sealing device is configured to carry away exhaust gas of the test specimen.  
         [0052]     In accordance with again another feature of the invention, there are provided a conveying device conveying the test specimen to the rack and at least one screw device being disposed on the rack and selectively releasing the test specimen from the conveying device or securing the test specimen to the conveying device.  
         [0053]     In accordance with again a further feature of the invention, there is provided a lifting device disposed at the rack, the lifting device moving the test specimen into the test position at the rack from a conveying position on the conveying device or from the test position at the rack to a conveying position on the conveying device.  
         [0054]     In accordance with again an added feature of the invention, there is provided a retaining device disposed at the rack, the retaining device clamping the test specimen against at least one of the rack and the lifting device and securing the test specimen against shaking loose for a testing operation.  
         [0055]     In accordance with again an additional feature of the invention, there is provided at least one securing device disposed at the rack, the securing device securing the test specimen in the test position.  
         [0056]     The power test bench according to the invention is provided in one specific refinement with a data processing system that is configured to perform the evaluation of the measurement. In such a configuration, the functions of the evaluation device are integrated into the data processing system, that is to say, in this variant of the invention, the evaluation device can be favorably dispensed with.  
         [0057]     In accordance with still another feature of the invention, the test specimen has connecting and control lines and a connecting device removably connects at least one of the connecting and control lines of the test specimen to the data processing system.  
         [0058]     In accordance with still a further feature of the invention, there is provided an evaluation device connected to the data processing system.  
         [0059]     In accordance with still an added feature of the invention, the data processing system is programmed to control and regulate the test sequence of the test specimen.  
         [0060]     In accordance with still an additional feature of the invention, the test specimen has connecting and control lines and an exhaust gas system, a connecting device removably connects at least one of the connecting and control lines of the test specimen to the data processing system, at least one securing device is disposed at the rack, the securing device securing the test specimen in the test position, a sealing device is to be connected to the exhaust gas system of the test specimen, the sealing device is configured to carry away exhaust gas of the test specimen, and the data processing system is programmed to actuate and co-ordinate at least one of the at least one screw device, the lifting device, the retaining device, the connecting device, the at least one securing device, the sealing device.  
         [0061]     In accordance with another feature of the invention, the data processing system is connected to the measuring device and is programmed to perform an evaluation of the measurement.  
         [0062]     With the objects of the invention in view, there is also provided a measuring device for measuring power of a test specimen, in particular, of an internal combustion engine, having an output shaft, including at least one measured value pickup, a time-measuring system, the at least one measured value pickup together with the time-measuring system measuring a time profile of a rotational speed of the output shaft of the test specimen, and an evaluation device interacting with the at least one measured value pickup and the time-measuring system and being programmed to determine the power of the test specimen at a specific time exclusively by evaluating the time profile of the rotational speed.  
         [0063]     Only the time and the rotational speed are required as measured variables. The expenditure on instrumentation is, thus, advantageously low. In addition, the comparatively simple measuring setup ensures that the measuring device can, if appropriate, be retrofitted to existing devices for testing power. Moreover, the measuring device according to the invention can readily be used to carry out the measurement of power in the particularly short time period, that is to say, the measurement of power can be carried out in a time period in which the test specimen can be operated without any forced cooling and does not suffer any damage in the process.  
         [0064]     In accordance with a further feature of the invention, the at least one measured value pickup is, particularly advantageously, disposed on the output shaft of the test specimen or of a drive shaft of the starter. Such a configuration is aimed at providing a possibility of using the measuring device according to the invention, in particular, for already existing test devices. Although the mounting of the at least one measured value pickup on the output shaft of the test specimen requires a somewhat higher degree of expenditure on instrumentation, there are test situations in which, to test the power, the test specimen is not brought to the device for testing the power but, conversely, the device for testing the power is brought to the test specimen, in particular, if the test specimens, for example, power turbines, are comparatively large or the numbers that are produced are comparatively small, or the items have been fabricated on an individual basis. This refinement of the invention is, then, advantageously used.  
         [0065]     If the measuring device according to the invention is to interact with an existing device for testing power, there will usually be a brake motor provided that has approximately the same power level as the test specimen, as already explained at the beginning. Such a brake motor can, advantageously, be used as a starter or starter motor. For this new function involving interaction with the measuring device according to the invention, the brake motor is provided with a power level that will be too high according to the invention. Nevertheless, it shall be expedient to use, according to the invention, only a corresponding part of the excessively high power by appropriate actuation. The brake motor has, thus, become a starter within the sense of the invention.  
         [0066]     In accordance with an added feature of the invention, there is provided a measuring and coupling device on which at least one measured value pickup is disposed. It is, thus, possible to interpose the measuring and coupling device, in particular, between the starter and the output shaft. The measured value pickup is mounted permanently on the measuring and coupling device, individual instrumentation for each test specimen being avoided. This requirement is suitable, in particular, for mass testing, such as is generally performed in the car industry when fabricating internal combustion engines. In addition, the measuring and coupling device can be configured such that the coupling to the respective test specimen for a measurement of power takes place automatically. The decoupling after the measurement of power can also take place automatically. The test time is, thus, advantageously shortened and simplified.  
         [0067]     In accordance with an additional feature of the invention, there is provided a display device by which the measured values or the results of the evaluation can be displayed, in particular, they can be the graphic representation of the power of the test specimen plotted over time, the power plotted against the rotational speed, or the power plotted in rotational speed increments. As such, the measurement results can either be monitored or checked by a monitoring system or visually by a skilled person, either actually during the measurement of power or a short time afterwards. Depending on the results, for example, subsequent measurement can be carried out automatically or measures can be taken for the rest of the fabrication process of the test specimen.  
         [0068]     The measurement and coupling device can be coupled to, or decoupled from, the output shaft of the test specimen, when actuated by the evaluation device. The evaluation device is, thus, provided with a further function that simplifies the testing of power, in particular, the test time can be shortened by virtue of the fact that the decoupling of the starter from the output shaft can be eliminated. To be precise, the starter is coupled or decoupled automatically as soon as the measuring and coupling device initiates the procedure. Additional automatic coupling for the starter can be dispensed with.  
         [0069]     In accordance with a concomitant feature of the invention, a control device can actuate the evaluation device. The control device can be responsible here, for example, for controlling the overall sequence of the measurement of power or can constitute a super-ordinate controller. By virtue of the possibility of actuating the evaluation device, the control device can access functions of the evaluation device. The configuration is simplified. In addition, the flexibility when using the measuring device is increased.  
         [0070]     Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.  
         [0071]     Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a method for determining the power of a test specimen, measuring device, and power test bench for the test specimen, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.  
         [0072]     The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0073]      FIG. 1  is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a power test bench according to the invention; and  
         [0074]      FIG. 2 a  plan view of the power test bench of  FIG. 1 .  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0075]     Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly to  FIG. 1  thereof, there is shown a sectional view of a power test bench  10 . A rack  12  on which a table device  14  is disposed serves as the basis of the power test bench.  
         [0076]     A starter device  16 , to which a coupling and test device  20  is connected by a coupling  18 , is disposed on the table device  14 . The coupling  18  is of a rigid configuration in this refinement so that the starter device  16  and the coupling and test device  20  form a starter unit in the coupled state.  
         [0077]     The coupling and test device  20  can be connected to a test specimen  26 . The connection takes place without attenuation. As such, in the testing mode, the power level, in particular, the power characteristic, is transmitted as directly as possible from the test specimen  26  to the coupling and test device  20 .  
         [0078]     In this example, the test specimen  26  is a 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, in-line engine. However, any other power-outputting internal combustion engine, for example, 2-stroke engines, diesel engines, and turbines, are also possible as the test specimen  26 .  
         [0079]     The coupling and test device  20  has, in this example, an incremental signal transmitter with 2,500 increments per 360 degrees, a signal conditioning device, and a measured-value acquisition device with a data-acquisition rate of at least 200 kHz. All the signal pickups acquiring the measured values that are to be fed into the starter and test device  20  through a shaft  22  and picked up are mounted on the starter and test device  20 . In the illustrative example, the evaluation device  21  is a data processing system in the form of a personal computer (PC) and is connected to the starter and test device  20  through a signal line  23 . The evaluation device  21  performs the evaluation of the measured data received from the power test bench  10 , referred to as test bench  10  for short.  
         [0080]     In this exemplary embodiment, the in-line engine  26  can be lifted out from a non-illustrated conveyor system using a lifting device  23 , and is placed in the test position on the test bench. An individual conveyor system, today usually driverless, is possible, for example, as the conveyor system. However, it is readily possible to use any continuous or discontinuous conveying system that is suitable for the in-line engine  26  or the test specimen  26 . The test bench  10  according to the invention can easily be structurally adapted to the respective conditions.  
         [0081]     Furthermore, two screw devices  24  (of which only one is shown in  FIG. 1 ) are moveably disposed on the rack  12 , and they release the in-line engine  26  that is mounted on the conveyor device. The lifting device  23  moves the in-line engine  26  into a test position in a first securing device  42  and a second securing device  50  (see  FIG. 2 ) to secure the in-line engine in the test position by displacing the securing devices  42 ,  50  towards one another from two sides in a horizontal plane. The in-line engine  26  that is located between the securing devices  42 ,  50  is, in this way, clamped and secured. Of the securing devices  42 ,  50  only the first securing device  42  is shown in this figure. However, the method of operation of both securing devices  42 ,  50  can be seen in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0082]     A multi-coupling device  28  is provided for connecting a non-illustrated fuel supply line to a fuel system of the in-line engine  26  and for connecting non-illustrated electrical supply lines, control lines, and signal lines to the corresponding lines of the in-line engine  26 . The multi-coupling device  28  can also be moved in three spatial directions to be able to connect to the corresponding coupling point on the in-line engine  26 .  
         [0083]     A sealing device  30  can be connected in a tightly sealed fashion to an exhaust gas system of the in-line engine  26 , exhaust gases of the in-line engine  26  that are produced during operation being carried out and away from the test bench  10  through a non-illustrated exhaust gas line. To fulfill such a function, the sealing device  30  can move in the three spatial directions, in a way comparable to the multi-coupling device  28 .  
         [0084]     A retaining device  32  is moveably disposed on an upper transverse member  34  of the rack  12 , the retaining device  32  being provided for the purpose of additionally securing the in-line engine  26 , in particular, during testing. The retaining device  32  is moved vertically onto the in-line engine  26  from above and the predefined force is applied to it, that is to say, it is clamped.  
         [0085]     The method sequence according to the invention is described in more detail below with reference to the test device according to  FIG. 1 .  
         [0086]     Using the conveyor device, the in-line engine  26  is conveyed to the test bench  10  and placed in an unloading position, provided for that purpose, in the region of the rack  12 . Using the two screw devices  24  opposite one another, the in-line engine  26  is, first, released from a conveying mount. The lifting device  23  is located underneath the unloading position and is, then, substantially moved upwards and, in the process, lifts the in-line engine  26  out of the conveying device and into a test position. In this example, the conveying device remains in the unloading position in the test bench  10 . However, it is also conceivable for the latter to be moved into a park position outside the test bench region.  
         [0087]     Using the securing devices  42 ,  50 , the in-line engine  26  is clamped tightly in the test position, that is to say, the securing devices  42 ,  50  apply a previously defined force to the in-line engine  26  in a horizontal direction. In addition, the lifting device  23  prevents the in-line engine  26  from being able to be moved downwards.  
         [0088]     The test specimen  26  or the in-line engine  26  is, then, securely connected to the test bench  10  or clamped against its rack  12 . The retaining device  32  is moved from above towards the in-line engine  26  into a predefined position, and the in-line engine  26  is, thus, clamped against the test bench  10  or the lifting device  23 . As such, the in-line engine  26  is additionally secured, the in-line engine  26  then being secured at two points in the horizontal direction and at two further points in the vertical direction from above and below.  
         [0089]     The multi-coupling device  28  is connected to the counter-coupling provided for such a purpose or to a corresponding point on the in-line engine  26 . In another method step, the sealing device  30  is connected to the exhaust gas system of the in-line engine  26 .  
         [0090]     Here, the sequence of the steps to be carried out is not necessarily fixed as in the aforesaid example. There are a number of different expedient sequences with which it is also possible for various steps to be carried out in parallel. For example, in this example the sealing device  30  can be connected simultaneously with the connection of the multi-coupling device  28  if the movement sequences of the device do not interfere with one another.  
         [0091]     In the example, the sequences on the test bench  10  and the testing of power are controlled and measured using a measuring and control device that is not shown in the figure, but is connected to the various devices of the test bench  10  by corresponding control and signal cables. After the in-line engine  26  has been secured in its test position, the method for determining the power can begin.  
         [0092]     For such a purpose, the in-line engine  26  is, first, accelerated to an idling rotational speed of approximately 850 revolutions per minute (rpm) using the starter device  16  that is coupled through the coupling and test device  20 . Motor vehicle engines usually have idling rotational speeds of approximately 450 to 1,000 rpm.  
         [0093]     In principle, there are, then, two possible ways according to the invention of continuing the power test. Either the starter device  16  is automatically decoupled from the measuring and coupling device  20  or simply only switched off and turns as a coupled mass with the output shaft of the in-line engine  26 . Regardless of the procedure adopted with the starter device  16 , the in-line engine  26  is started by the measuring and control device and operated under its own power.  
         [0094]     However, in both cases, it is advantageous that the starter device  16  only needs to be configured for a comparatively low power. The starter device  16  must specifically only accelerate the in-line engine  26  to the idling rotational speed and is, then, no longer actively involved, that is to say, for example, as a brake, in the determination of the power. The otherwise customary drives with the same power level as the test specimen, advantageously, are avoided.  
         [0095]     In both cases, the measuring process for determining the power can start by accelerating the in-line engine  26  with full-load predefinition to its maximum rated rotational speed. This process is, then, repeated 4 times. During the entire test time, the measuring and control device acquires the time profile of the rotational speed of the output shaft of the in-line engine  26 . In this example, acceleration from the idling rotational speed to the maximum rated rotational speed takes 12 seconds. With the repetitions, the entire testing of power takes only 90 seconds. This is the time period for which the in-line engine  26  can be operated without any external cooling, that is to say, without cooling water or coolant.  
         [0096]     It has become apparent that the motor vehicle engines that are customary today, in particular, the diesel and gasoline reciprocating piston engines already produce very good power measured values with three repetitions within a measuring time of one minute in total. More frequent repetitions correspondingly increase the statistical informativeness of the measurement, but the increase is achieved at the cost of the testing time, which ultimately determines the number of tests per time unit.  
         [0097]     The comparatively short test time is also achieved by virtue of the fact that the in-line engine  26  is, as hitherto customary in the prior art, loaded by a load that corresponds to the engines&#39; own power, for example, an eddy current brake, in order to obtain the power curve, but, instead, only the rotary masses connected to the output shaft are accelerated, that is to say, accelerated to the maximum rotational speed to carry out the measurement of power.  
         [0098]     Using the measured time profiles of the rotational speed, the angular speed, and the angular acceleration are calculated first for a number of defined rotational speeds, for example, for any rotational speed between the idling rotational speed and the maximum rated rotational speed in increments of 100 rpm. The power is, then, determined at each of the rotational speed points by calculating the sum of a first multiplication of the constant entire mass moment of inertia by the number  100  and by the angular acceleration at the specific rotational speed, and a second multiplication of a constant moment of friction by the angular speed at the specific rotational speed. The entire mass moment of inertia is a constant that is obtained from the sum of the individual mass moments of inertia of the rotating elements and device components that are involved in the measurement. In the example, this includes the mass moments of inertia of the moving shafts of the in-line engine  26 , the rotating parts of the measuring and coupling device  20  and the moving shaft with the rotor of the starter device  16 , which is an electric motor here and is not to be decoupled from the in-line engine  26  during the power testing.  
         [0099]     The measured values are used as the basis of the calculation. The calculation is better the more precise the determination of the time profile of the rotational speed. In the example described, an incremental transmitter with 2,500 increments per 360 degrees is, as already described at the beginning, installed in the measuring and coupling device  20 . In addition, the measured data are registered with a measuring map that has a data-acquisition rate of more than 200 kHz. The measuring and control device is configured as a personal computer (PC) that both acquires the measured values and evaluates the measured data as well as controlling and adjusting the preparation for the test and post-processing of the test together with the co-ordination of the movements of the devices for connecting and releasing the in-line engine  26  after the measurement of power. With such a measuring device, measured values have been measured or engine powers calculated that only have a level of inaccuracy of +3% or −2%. In all cases, the customary requirements that are made of the measuring accuracy of +/−5% can readily be complied with.  
         [0100]     To obtain a power curve from the calculated individual points, it is appropriate to use an interpolation method. If a sufficient number of measuring points and calculation points have been provided, a linear interpolation method is generally sufficient for obtaining adequate result curves. However, predetermined polynomials can also be used as the basis for interpolation.  
         [0101]     Either the power plotted against the rotational speed, the power plotted over time, or the power plotted in rotational speed increments is represented graphically by the evaluation device as advantageous and informative results. Any other way of representing the measuring results, calculation results, or intermediate results is readily conceivable and can be implemented with the evaluation device.  
         [0102]     After the end of the testing of power, the in-line engine  26  is switched off and can be released from the test bench  10 , that is to say, the sealing device  30 , the multi-coupling device  28 , and the retaining device  32  are removed. The retaining devices  24  move back into a starting position and, as such, release the measures for securing the in-line engine  26 . When all the connections to the devices of the test specimen  26  are released, the test specimen  26  is, then, supported by the lifting device  23 , which moves the in-line engine  26  away from the test position again and back onto the conveying device.  
         [0103]     Using the screw devices  24 , the in-line engine  26  is mounted on the conveying device again or its conveyance on the latter is secured so that further conveyance to a point at which the next production step is planned can take place.  
         [0104]      FIG. 2  shows a plan view of the power test bench  10 . In  FIG. 2 , those components that have already been introduced in FIG.  1  and are also shown in this figure have been provided with the same reference symbols.  
         [0105]     In particular, in this view, it is apparent that the rack  12  is embodied in a horizontal plane  52  in the manner of a frame. The screw connections  24  are disposed opposite one another on two sides of the frame. On a third side, the starter unit composed of the starter device  16 , coupling  18 , and measuring and coupling device  20  is disposed on the table device  14 .  
         [0106]     The in-line engine  26  is illustrated in its test position and has been placed in the test bench  10  through the fourth side. This preferred configuration of the various devices on the test bench  10  has the particular advantage that they can be disposed in a particularly well-organized and accessible way. Possible interference can, therefore, frequently already be recognized from a first visual check. In addition, the test bench  10  can easily be integrated into the production sequence because the bench  10  is fully accessible from one side.