US: Experimental active aerodynamic system said to lower consumption of heavy trucks by 12%
By: Glenn Brooks, Thursday, June 12, 2008, AutomotiveWorld.com
Scientists conducting research in Georgia Tech's Research Institute say they have created a so-called 'circulation control system' that, they claim, significantly lowers aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption on the trailers of heavy trucks.The principle of the system is air being made to blow in a steady current around the back of the vehicle, tackling the usual problem of poor aerodynamics creating a sucking effect that slows the vehicle, leading to the usual 5-7mpg average of such vehicles.
As a basic large sharp-edged box, a truck’s trailer is exactly the wrong shape to be dragged behind a vehicle, not to mention the large open space underneath it where the axles dwell. Rounding off the corners of what is effectively a large container is usually ruled out as that would intrude into load space.
Robert Englar, a Georgia Tech researcher interviewed by The Associated Press, believes he has an answer to the dilemna. Having previously worked on an air stabilisers project for Lockheed Martin, he decided to apply some of those principles to heavy trucks.
The solution lies in affixing a series of curved bumpers to the rear of a trailer, and linking each to a blower that pushes a steady stream of air through them which then exits at the side of the rig. Drag is said to be dramatically lower as a result, with the bonus of positive air pressure also 'pushing' the vehicle forwards.
Englar's system has been shown to reduce drag by 32% and fuel consumption by 12% in test track conditions. Though this only means a truck delivering 5mpg would see its consumption improved to 5.6mpg, at today's US market fuel prices that would mean savings of several thousand dollars per annum.
"If you look at the poor guy putting US$1,200 of diesel fuel in his gas tank, some would give their right arm for a 12% increase (in efficiency)," Englar told the newswire.
As well as planning to bring the innovation to market, the scientist also sees the potential to add sensors that would trigger the air flow to reverse when a driver brakes or hits dangerous, gusty conditions.
Published on Thursday, June 12, 2008
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