Improve Fuel Efficiency on Heavy Trucks
Heavy trucks cost benefit of aerodynamics can
improve fuel economy and trucker's bottom lines, according to
research by Volvo Trucks, North America.
A member of the Volvo Group, says fuel economy can be improved
by as much as 8 % by facilitating smooth air flow around
tractor trailers.
Space between a tractor and trailer is a significant
contributor to aerodynamic drag, which in turn increases
fuel consumption. Side skirts attached to the bottom
edges of the trailer on both sides and running nearly its
entire length minimized drag considerably, the study found.
As part of a two-year research project Volvo found that even
simple modifications to truck aerodynamics can result in a 2.3 %
improvement in fuel costs. Used in the research were modifications of
three aerodynamic prototype designs and a fourth already available on
Volvo trucks.
According to Volvo, the tests were part of a two-year research
effort by DOE, the Truck Manufacturers Association and four of TMA's
member companies.
Michael, Volvo's lead design-engineer for aerodynamic
development, said the project engineers expected to find that a
completely smooth underside would reduce drag but that curbing airflow
on the front of the truck also significantly reduces drag without the
need for the side modifications.
In addition to the front modification, a plate was positioned between
the chassis rails on the space between the back of the cab and fifth
wheel to prevent air from rushing into the trailer gap, an air
deflector was used that wrapped around the front and sides of the
trailer bogie, and roof and side fairings also were used.
The roof extender uses a Volvo-patented design that can be adjusted to
reduce trailer gap and optimize aerodynamics regardless of trailer
height or kingpin settings, according to a Volvo news release.
In the Mack project, engineers used side skirts and a boat tail to
reduce drag.
To improve air drag between the tractor and trailer material was
attached to each side of the rear of the tractor extending back
towards the trailer and the boat tail, a two-piece device, was affixed
to the rear of the trailer.
Mack engineers are looking at developing devices based on the
prototypes used during the testing, according to a Mack news release.
Source: thetrucker.com
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