STUDY: Aerodynamic Technologies on Tractor-Trailer Trucks Could Save One Billion Gallons of Fuel Annually

Energy Resource, Nov 14, 2006

ENERGY RESOURCE-14 November 2006-STUDY: Aerodynamic Technologies on Tractor-Trailer Trucks Could Save One Billion Gallons of Fuel Annually(C)2006 JeraOne - http://www.jeraone.com

A two-year collaborative study conducted by members of the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) found that America could save nearly one billion gallons of fuel annually by adopting new aerodynamic technologies on tractor-trailer trucks.

Four TMA members -- International Truck and Engine Corporation, Freightliner LLC, Mack Trucks, Inc. and Volvo Trucks North America -- comprising 75 percent of the U.S. market for Class 8 trucks, teamed with the U.S. Department of Energy to study a variety of design improvements that would reduce aerodynamic drag and significantly improve fuel efficiency.

The combined effect of all aerodynamic improvements on one vehicle could result in as great as 23 percent reduction in aerodynamic drag. For every 2 percent reduction in aerodynamic drag, there is a 1 percent improvement in fuel efficiency.

"To put this in perspective, if every tractor/van semi-trailer combination truck in operation in the U.S. adopted these technologies and improved fuel efficiency by 10 percent, it would translate into nearly one billion gallons per year of fuel savings. These small improvements collectively could make a huge difference in reducing fuel use," said Robert Clarke, president of the Truck Manufacturers Association.

"We are pleased to see the fuel-savings fruits of this collaborative effort between government and industry," said Clarke. "We hope and expect that the results of this joint effort will lead to the implementation of more aerodynamic technologies on tractor-trailer trucks, which directly contributes to our nation's goal of energy independence and cleaner air."

Coinciding with today's release of the study, technologies that improve truck aerodynamics were displayed today outside the U.S. DOE headquarters. They include:

-- Gap enclosure, which reduces aerodynamic drag in the gap between the tractor and trailer.

-- Side skirts that improve aerodynamics and reduces airflow under the trailer in crosswinds.

-- Boat tails that minimalize "wake" airflow.

-- Side mirror design which reconfigures shape and support systems to reduce aerodynamic drag.

The two-year study was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies Office through the National Energy Technology Laboratory.

((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@scitech21.com))

((Distributed via M2 Communications Ltd - http://www.m2.com))