Abstract
In this paper, we present and discuss different aerodynamic solutions available for European tractor and semi-trailers configurations along with summarizing their impact on the aerodynamic drag that contributes to the reduction of fuel consumption. Combinations of different aerodynamic solutions have been presented, and conclusions have been drawn from comparative studies and experience of the participating partners of Project TRANSFORMERS, but no CFD simulations have been done for the same solutions. The paper concludes by proposing configurations of aerodynamic measures for various configurations and how they can be cost-effectively adapted to improve the efficiency in road freight logistics networks and reduce emission.
Highlights
The overall objective of the TRANSFORMERS project is to develop and demonstrate innovative and energy-efficient trucks and load carriers for long distance transport assignments with an improved load efficiency leading to an overall 25% less energy consumption on a t·km basis and a lower impact on the road infrastructure [1]
An approach to improve mission efficiency is by reducing the aerodynamic drag in a tractor-trailer configuration by dealing with overall system efficiency and not by looking at the tractor and trailer in isolation
One main finding is that the results of aerodynamic measures for reducing the fuel consumption of Conventional trucks (CONV) typically used in America cannot be compared to the results of Cab over Engine trucks (CoE) typically used in Europe
Summary
The overall objective of the TRANSFORMERS project is to develop and demonstrate innovative and energy-efficient trucks and load carriers for long distance transport assignments with an improved load efficiency leading to an overall 25% less energy consumption on a t·km basis and a lower impact on the road infrastructure [1] To achieve this objective, four key innovations would be implemented and integrated in two demonstrator vehicles. One of the key innovations present in both the demonstrator vehicles is a mission-based configurable aerodynamic truck-trailer design This is intended to optimize the drag coefficient. KKeeeeppiinngg tthheessee eeffffiicciieenncciieess iinn mmiinndd,, wwee kknnooww tthhaatt wwhheenn wwee bbrriinngg tthhee aannaallooggyy ooff mmiissssiioonn eeffffiicciieennccyy [[44]],, ddeeffiinneedd aass This is not the only factor; the second efficiency is the system efficiency that comes from aerodynamic and frictional resistances that a vehicle needs to overcome to gain motion. In the last 30 years, the aerodynamics of a vehicle has become a major focus to reduce fuel consumption and get better transport efficiency
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