Project Summary
This project seeks to demonstrate the feasibility of a novel, small-scale prototype trailer incorporating a new non-linear boat-tail design concept as a means for Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drag reduction.
Project Achievements
Activities • Redesign of existing 1/10th wind tunnel model to integrate concept • Design and manufacture of components to evaluate multiple configurations • Load cell and surface pressure instrumentation integration • Raw data collection from wind tunnel test programme • Data analysis to narrow optimum design parameters • Retest, refine and define optimal configuration • Preliminary full-scale design exercise
Conclusions
• Maximum reduction in total vehicle drag of 8% • Corresponds to approx.. 3-4% fuel reduction • Estimated 110 tonnes/vehicle/year CO2 saved • Sub-optimal configurations also remain effective • Performance benefits increase with flow misalignment • Optimal configuration bias towards the top of the trailer • Integration within full-scale vehicle cost-effective, beneficial, feasible and realistic • Full-scale redesign requires only minor modifications to existing design
Next Steps
• Secure follow-on funding to provide resources to realise full-scale prototype • Employ dedicated engineer to conduct and finalise full-scale detailed design exercise • Manufacture first prototype • Install and integrate test and performance evaluation instrumentation • Engage suitable commercial customer to assess overall operational performance • Produce new line of low drag trailers for commercial marketplace
