TNT Tests New Aerodynamic Elements on Trucks

Right placed and shaped aerodynamic elements can dramatically cut down CO2 emissions

TNT tests new aerodynamic elements on trucks that benefit to lower consumption of fuel, CO₂ emissions and noise. This way TNT participates in the PART20 initiative (Platform for Aerodynamic Road Transport) which develops aerodynamic devices based on scientific knowledge and practical experience of the transportation industry.

One of ways how to reduce consumption, and thus also CO₂ emissions, is to cut down aerodynamic drag of cars. Roof hood, for example, can save up to 5.9% of fuel in trucks. Thus TNT provided a standard and a aerodynamically shaped camions for testing purposes during April and May, to assess benefit of aerodynamic foils for fuel consumption. The tests employed also an acoustic camera that measures noise caused by passing vehicles and processes it in a colour scheme, like thermovision. The results are being assessed and they will be used to improve the spoilers. The next testing round shall run during this summer.

Aerodynamics of vehicles depends on series of factors, but first it is necessary to distinguish between various types of cars. For example for trucks with semi-trailers, the air drag is responsible for some 40 % of fuel consumption. Other 15% of fuel is consumed to overcome mechanic friction in the engine, gear box and driving shaft, and 45% of fuel is used to overcome rolling resistance.

The goal of PART20 is to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by 20% using aerodynamic gadgets on trucks and semi-trailers by 2020. This corresponds to the TNT plan to reduce the company CO₂ index by 45% by 2020, when compared with 2007. The CO₂ index calculates emissions from operations carried out directly by TNT and it contains the carbon trace of both air and road transport and company buildings.

The constituent partners of PART20 are TNT as a representative of the transport industry, Technical University Delft in the Netherlands and FOCWA, a Dutch association of entrepreneurs.