Quote:
Originally Posted by TechStuf
I see that there is something behind the technology, and size, shape and placement are key factors. Airtabs certainly aren't the end all be all of drag reduction nor is anyone claiming such to be the case. They are, however, a good start in the right direction. 4% or more is worth it to some, not to others.
Autos & Pickups: Airtab
It seems pretty straightforward that structured airflow off the tailgate is better than having the airflow attach to the tailgate in the traditional chaotic manner with commensurate maximized drag losses. Also, considering the sizable pressure differential between the area just forward of the tailgate and center aft of the tailgate, I'm certain that there is much that could be gained by exploiting that difference. I am working now on a system which should generate a truly astonishing amount of energy from the pressure differentials otherwise being wasted on a vehicle moving at highway speeds. My test bed vehicle is an 89 Toyota xtra cab pickup.
Simply making a vehicle as slippery as humanly possible and calling it good is great for those who love the tradeoffs... and let's face it, land torpedoes are awesome eye candy! But there is also much (and this is an appreciable understatement) yet to be explored in the way of compromise between acceptable aerodynamics and energy capture.
TS |
Techstuf, I feel like I'm missing the boat somehow.
You speak of 'generating'' energy',Do you mean to say that you are going to generate 'power' from the available energy?
If you harvest energy of the pressure differential between the front of the truck,and behind the tailgate you're doing nothing to reduce the engine load so your mpg will be unchanged.
Any machine you employ to capture energy will have a net overall energy loss compared to just streamlining the truck.
No doubt your study of thermodynamics and entropy have made that clear.
If we make vehicles as streamlined as humanly possible have we missed something?
The study of aerodynamics,within the context as we use it at EcoModder,deals with drag reduction and it's association to mpg only,not 'energy capture.'
Any attempt to capture energy would only degrade the quality of the flow field surrounding the vehicle,leading to increased drag and increased fuel consumption.Yes?
