Improved aerodynamic fuel savings predictions for heavy-duty vehicles using route-specific wind simulations. Issue 210 (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McTavish, Sean; McAuliffe, Brian
• Is Part Of: Journal of wind engineering and industrial aerodynamics. Issue 210(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Heavy-duty vehicle -- Greenhouse gas -- Wind climate -- Drag-reduction; Wind-pressure -- Periodicals; Buildings -- Aerodynamics -- Periodicals; Pression du vent -- Périodiques; Constructions -- Aérodynamique -- Périodiques; Buildings -- Aerodynamics; Wind-pressure; Periodicals
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jweia.2021.104528
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0167-6105

Abstract

Abstract: A simulation methodology is introduced to provide improved estimates of the true efficiency gains that can be achieved using aerodynamic drag-reduction technologies for ground vehicles, with a particular application to heavy-duty-vehicle operations. The approach is based on a stochastic simulation methodology that applies route-specific wind conditions to predefined duty cycles, using wind-climate data calculated from publicly-accessible data sets. The simulation tool accounts for vehicle duty-cycle, seasonal wind conditions, the direction of travel, and diurnal effects to generate resultant-velocity and yaw-angle predictions along a specified route. Aerodynamic drag and associated fuel-use predictions are then made based on vehicle aerodynamic performance models generated from sources such as wind-tunnel measurements, road/track measurements, or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The simulation software was used to evaluate the benefits of drag-reduction technologies associated with heavy-duty vehicles (HDV) travelling at low speeds on two major routes in Canada. The fuel-savings rate was determined for several drag-reduction technologies and tractor-trailer-height-matching approaches on two highway routes, and at vehicle ground speeds of 50 ​km/h, 80 ​km/h, and 100 ​km/h. This approach provides a representative range of fuel savings that considers the effect of different wind climates on the performance of the drag-reduction strategies. The results suggest that drag-reduction technologies, and particularly height-matching approaches, can have important contributions to reducing fuel use and the associated greenhouse gas emissions at speeds as low as 50 ​km/h. Vehicle weights ranging from 13, 600 ​kg (30, 000 lb) to 54, 500 ​kg (120, 000 lb) were evaluated to identify the relative contributions of rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag on a vehicle's total fuel consumption. Although the proportion of a vehicle's total fuel consumption from aerodynamics is reduced at low speeds, the fuel savings that can be achieved with standard drag reduction approaches can provide a meaningful reduction in fuel use, a reduction in fuel costs, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Highlights: Drag-reduction technologies and proper height-matching can result in meaningful fuel savings at 50 to 60 km/h. Route-specific software provided higher-fidelity fuel savings predictions than conventional methods Drag due to rolling resistance was the dominant contributor to fuel consumption for a vehicle weight of 54, 500 kg. The proportion of fuel consumption due to aerodynamic effects was greater above 80-90 km/h.