Dutch researchers have developed a simple but effective way to reduce fuel consumption in trucks by up to 7.5%. The innovation involves attaching a funnel-shaped device to the back of a trailer, which minimizes air turbulence and reduces the amount of fuel needed to counteract the resulting drag. The device was tested in a wind tunnel and on the road, with the latter confirming the expected fuel savings. The researchers hope that by combining this device with an aerodynamic side panel they previously developed, they can reduce fuel consumption in trucks by up to 20%.
The rising cost of fuel has been a major concern for trucking companies in recent years, and this innovation could save them thousands of euros annually. It also has environmental benefits, as reducing fuel consumption means fewer harmful emissions are released into the atmosphere. The researchers behind the device, led by Gandert van Raemdonck at Delft University of Technology, have previously developed other aerodynamic solutions for trucks, including a side panel that also reduces fuel consumption.
The funnel-shaped device is a simple but effective solution to a complex problem, and its success in reducing fuel consumption is a testament to the ingenuity of the researchers involved. With the potential to save trucking companies significant amounts of money and reduce their environmental impact, it is likely to be welcomed by the industry and could become a standard feature on trucks in the future.
