Sport Product Testing, situated within the prestigious Canadian Sport Institute in Alberta, Canada, embarked on a mission to revolutionize the way sportswear is tested and athletes train. To achieve this, they sought a cutting-edge environmental chamber capable of simulating various environmental conditions. This vision became a reality through a collaboration with Innovative Air Technologies, a leading vendor of industrial desiccant dehumidifiers, and Controlled Environmental Systems, experts in building custom environmental rooms.
This case study explores how these partnerships facilitated the creation of a state-of-the-art environmental chamber, enhancing the testing and training capabilities at Sport Product Testing.
Background
Innovative Air Technologies (IAT) desires to change the status quo in low humidity systems. Utilizing a desiccant to remove moisture from the air, IAT’s desiccant dehumidification systems are able to achieve ultra-low dew points for a wide range of applications. From pharmaceutical manufacturing to military storage to sport product testing, if dry air is the problem, Innovative Air Technologies’ desiccant dehumidifier is the solution.
Controlled Environmental Systems (CES) “aims to revolutionize the way people learn and share knowledge.” CES can design and build custom environmental chambers or advise you on how to complete your current project. They are committed to creating a community of people who “are passionate about exploring new ideas and expanding their horizons.”
Sport Product Testing (SPT), co-founded by Pro Stergiou, provides objective and unbiased third-party product testing for companies seeking to attain best-in-class testing and validation services. Their expertise is in research and analysis of footwear, wearables, apparel, and equipment. This includes product and usability testing, validation and research of a broad range of markets from fitness to health to sport technology.
The Challenge
Sport Product Testing needed an environmental chamber to conduct testing of wearable sport products with the following features:
1. Temperature Control: Capable of simulating a wide range of temperatures to mimic various climates.
2. Humidity Adjustment: Precisely controls relative humidity levels to replicate different environmental conditions.
3. Oxygen Content Modification: Simulate altitudes by adjusting oxygen levels, essential for hypoxic training.
4. Adequate Testing Space: Enough space for both a bio-mannequin, and a full-size treadmill.
The Solution
Controlled Environmental Systems designed and built a chamber large enough to house both a bio-mannequin and a treadmill, along with the necessary systems for temperature, humidity & oxygen control. The Innovative Air Technologies desiccant dehumidifier (Model# IAT-300REC) was crucial in achieving humidity control, a critical factor for both product testing and athletic training. The dehumidifier was equipped with MERV 8 filters and stainless-steel construction, ensuring efficient and reliable moisture control.
The chamber's functionality for state-of-the-art sport product testing provided by SPT is assisted by utilizing a bio-mannequin named Newton. Newton can simulate human sweating and is outfitted with sensors that gather data on how a particular fabric or piece of clothing or sport technology responds to various environmental conditions. This allows for detailed analysis of how sportswear performs under different conditions, such as whether a fabric effectively wicks away sweat to keep the wearer cool.
Impact and Benefits
The environmental chamber has had a profound impact on Sport Product Testing's capabilities. It allows for more rigorous testing of sportswear, providing valuable insights into fabric performance under various conditions. This has attracted numerous clients, including top-tier brands like Lululemon and Under Armour, looking to validate their products' effectiveness.
The chamber also has the capability to be an essential tool for athletes training for major competitions, like the upcoming 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. The ability to simulate different altitudes and climates provides athletes with a competitive edge, preparing them for diverse environmental conditions they may encounter.
Testimonials
Pro Stergiou from Sport Product Testing shares his experience:
On why he needed the Environmental Chamber: “We knew, through working with partners like Lululemon, that there was a need for having an environmental chamber for the testing of apparel. There were no chambers that exist (at least that I know of in Western Canada) that are used for product testing (outside of the apparel companies that might have one in-house) …”
On his experience with CES: “Working with Robert and Controlled Environmental Systems has been a great experience… Robert will still answer my calls if I have any questions or concerns about our chamber.”
On his experience working with IAT: “[Innovative Air Technologies] have provided one of the best customer service/experiences[s] that I have had from a company. Other companies should take a page out of [their] book and the core values you list on your website, especially your first Value of ‘Enriching Lives: We exist to solve our customer’s problems and enrich the lives of others’.”
Conclusion
The successful collaboration between Innovative Air Technologies, Controlled Environmental Systems, and Sport Product Testing has culminated in the creation of a state-of-the-art environmental chamber that significantly advances the field of sportswear testing and athletic training. Through the precise control of temperature, humidity, and oxygen levels, the chamber enables unparalleled testing of sportswear, providing invaluable data that enhances product development. Furthermore, the chamber's ability to simulate diverse climates and altitudes offers athletes a tool for hypoxic training and preparation for major competitions.
The testimonials from Pro Stergiou highlight the exceptional customer service and ongoing support provided by both Innovative Air Technologies and Controlled Environmental Systems, underscoring the importance of strong partnerships and customer-centric values. As athletes and brands continue to benefit from this cutting-edge facility, the future of sports performance and product testing is incredibly promising, paving the way for future innovations and success in athletic performance and product development.
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