Search the EPA Research Database

Project Search Result

Project Code [22/NCF/EI/11277]

This information is correct as of today and is updated from time to time by the EPA to reflect changes in the management of the project. Please check back regularly for updates.

Project title

Aerodynamic Design and CFD Analysis of Drag Reducing Appendable Devices for Large Ground Vehicles

Primary Funding Agency

Science Foundation Ireland

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Lead Organisation

University College Dublin

Lead Applicant

Not listed

Project Abstract

This project looks to reduce the inherent drag force present on large ground vehicles travelling at national road speeds by appending novel drag reducing devices to the vehicles. The novel devices work by altering the path and properties of the flow as it transverses the vehicle. Devices will be primarily fitted to the front, underside, and rear of large ground vehicles such as buses, trucks, and large 3.5 tonne vans. When travelling at speeds above 80 km/hr drag becomes the most dominant and most expense resistant force to overcome, therefore appending multiple devices can ensure significant drag reductions that will realise considerable fuel savings and C02 emission reductions. We expect to be able offer a 20-30% drag reduction for these large ground vehicles which will materialise as a 10-15% fuel saving. This will accelerate Ireland�s EV transition as the fuel savings will bring about significant range extension for a wide range of large EVs. Over the course of the project, we will use the budget and time to target several industrial stakeholders such as Bus Eireann, and work with them to design, fit, and test these devices to observe the expected drag reductions predicted in our CFD simulations.

Grant Approved

�307,469.00

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

3. Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities

Start Date

01/06/2023

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/11/2024