A package of measures for improving the aerodynamics of refrigerated semi-trailers, including optimised rear end taper and side skirts.
Results showed a 14% reduction in aerodynamic drag coefficient in modified vehicles.
% fuel saving
7% reduction in fuel consumption at highway speeds
Cost of implementation
Trailers cost £4,500 more than the standard vehicles to produce, with an estimated payback period of 2 years and a lifetime of 10 years.
Implementation strategy
Implement now.
Designs are available from the research team.
First 50 or so trailers have been built by Gray and Adams
Stephens, R. G. and H. Babinsky (2014). Boat-tails for Super-market Lorries. Aerovehicles 1, June. Bordeaux
Midgley, W. J. and D. Cebon (2014). Coast-down Testing of Heavy Goods Vehicles. Centre for Sustainable Road Freight Technical Report CUED/C-SRF/TR06,ISSN: 2054-4081,University of Cambridge.
