Testing Vorblade Vortex Generators on ProMaster Van

[GaryBIS]

Hi,
I got a set of Vorblade vortex generators and installed them on my 2014 ProMaster van and have done an MPG test on them using the methodology described on this site.

I mounted them temporarily on the van so I could do the A-B-A thing and also not have to keep them if they did not work.


I did an A-A-B-B-A-A test with the two B's being with vortex generators. Each loop was a 65 mph drive down the freeway for 17 miles and then back in the opposite direction for 17 miles. I kept track of MPG using: 1) the onboard trip computer, 2) and OBDLink logging data to my laptop, and 3) fillups at a very nearby gas station after each two loops.

I guess I can't include links until I've made a few posts, but the full results of the test are available on my "Build A Green RV" website (just google it), then on the site search for "Vorblade". There are lots of pictures, plots, and details -- maybe someone who can post links can include the URL in a comment?

The results on the trip computer were:

First two A loops (noVGs): 21.6 and 21.1 MPG


The two B loops (with VGs): 21.1 and 20.4 MPG

The last two A loops (noVGs): 20.4 and 20.7 MPG


I can't see any reason to think the VGs resulted in any improvement.



I'd be very interested to hear...

- Any problems with the test method I used?

- Is anyone surprised by the result?

- Any suggestions for improvements?

- Any thoughts on the simpler alternate test procedure that is described at the link above?

I want to thank all the folks who contribute to the website and make it easier to come up to speed on doing valid tests easily!

Gary

[freebeard]

Too busy today to read it all, but happy to help:

https://www.buildagreenrv.com/

Did you warm up the transmission for at least 30 miles before the tests runs?

[M_a_t_t]

https://www.buildagreenrv.com/vorbla...ator-mpg-test/

Did you get any footage (or pic) of the tufts in A (or B) run's. I can't quite tell if the pic posted was an A or B.



How did you come up with the placement? From what I've read VG's are very location dependent.

[California98Civic]

How did you control throttle? Cruise control or just foot? Did you stay at least a couple seconds clear of all vehicles? Also, what MATT and freebeard say above...

[Yippeekyaa]

No offense, but those things look like pure snake oil to me. The big cubes look like they would cause additional drag. Apparently they did. Probably get better mpg by switching to low rolling resistance tires.

[jakobnev]

Good work on the testing.

I'm looking forward to you testing mods that are more likely to yield positive results:

Base plates / Box cavities.
Air dams / flat under trays.
Covering up those huge gaping holes you have above your wheels.
Using the solar panels to offset electrical loads while driving.
Higher tire pressures.
Etc.

Is the van manual or automatic?

[California98Civic]

They worked on the Evo, but that was with extensive wind tunnel testing and lots of minor adjustments to placement until the right effect emerged. You could experiment with the magnehelic gauge procedures Julian Edgar has been playing with. Search for him on this site. You might learn to adjust your placement of the tabs on the basis of the pressure readings, which might be more helpful than tufts.

[freebeard]

You could... You might...

Five days and OP hasn't made a 2nd post anywhere.

[California98Civic]

Originally Posted by freebeard

Five days and OP hasn't made a 2nd post anywhere.

Yeah, but we have people who post infrequently and still show up again. We'll see. A disappointing and time consuming test in the middle of a busy life can be... well... not all that motivating! lol.

[freebeard]

Yeah, I guess I forget that some people have a life.