Brisbane-based start-up Fuel EFX, a subsidiary of Bayside Truck Maintenance, is currently trialing a new fairing device to reduce aerodynamic drag on heavy commercial vehicles.
The Air-Ram is supposed to reduce “parasitic drag” at the rear of the trailer, according to Rod Habershon of Fuel EFX, who designed the Air-Ram.
“There are several areas on large transport vehicles where drag is created. However, our focus is on reducing tail-end or parasitic drag.
“The higher the drag coefficient of a vehicle, the higher the energy losses, resulting in greater fuel consumption. Studies have indicated that over half of the energy consumption by a heavy vehicle at high speed is used to overcome aerodynamic drag. Therefore a reduction in aerodynamic drag will lead to significant fuel savings.”
Rod’s Air-Ram is supposed to scoop air flowing at high speed over the top of the vehicle and ram it to the rear of the trailer through a series of slots, reducing the vacuum and decreasing drag.
Currently on trial in Queensland, the final product is supposed to be produced in high-strength Polyethylene. According to Rod, it will be able to swing sideways when the rear doors open.
According to early adopter Graeme Tucker of GR8 Transport, the device worked well on a recent trip to Mackay, Queensland. “The trip was 1,875 km and the truck used 730.442 litres at $1058.41 in fuel cost,” he said, revealing a 10 per cent in fuel savings. “That means the truck achieved 2.5669 km per litre of fuel, a very good result.”
Queensland operator Paul Bathgate of Stanthorpe Freighters echoed Tucker’s response. “After testing the airflow vents on our refrigerated van, we are now getting 27.9 litres per one hundred kilometres, compared to 30.1 litres before. That’s a 66 litre per week in savings on our truck,” he said. “Fuel costs are only increasing and every saving is vital.”
Fuel EFX us currently looking for more fleets who are willing the device, especially in a B-double set-up.
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