While this Blog Project was designed to follow my 2008 Dodge Dakota Pickup Aerocap efforts, the Truck was leased and has been returned to the Dealer, but the thoughts are still relevant and might well be applied to either my 2004 Prius, or my 2010 Kia SOUL!
Much of these thoughts are discussed as an introduction in My Prius Blog Post from today!
Not likely much will progress on this soon though, lot of other things to clear off my plate to get time for this type of stuff again! Having no personal yard, driveway, or shop, also makes such projects a bit tricky to work on in a parking lot!
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Sunday, June 1, 2014
7 Day Sale on EV Fest 2014 Tickets!
I have opened up a special Discount for those who act quickly - and buy their EV Fest 2014 Tickets online before June 7th, 2014 at Midnight!
In celebrating the Exhibitors who have committed to exhibit at EV Fest 2014 - I am giving 1% off for Each Exhibitor Registered!
Want a Higher Discount? Encourage others to register in this last week - Here are the choices: https://evfest2014-exhibitors.eventbrite.ca/
See my announcement here:
"Over 22 Register #EVFest2014 Exhibitors (Some have multiple Exhibit Registrations!) http://bit.ly/1tyNl31"
Just use code "22Exhibitors" to get your discount - or use This Link to go directly to the ticket ordering page with the discount applied!
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Other Aerodynamic Opportunities
While the AeroCap is the focal point of this blog, and I am currently missing the core vehicle, there are other significant things that can be done to increase aerodynamics and reduce drag!
As found on Recumbents.com - things like Lowering the Vehicle - particularly with Ride-Height Adjustable Suspension systems that can allow the vehicle to particularly be lowered at speed, can result in improvements in aerodynamic drag - as much as 3% under the right conditions.
Underside Clean-Up - not a car wash - but an aerodynamic Clean-Up, or a full 'Body Pan' can also provide a significant improvement in Aerodynamic improvement - particularly when combined with Vehicle Lowering Activities. Make it designed for critical access areas having their own 'Inspection Doors' cut into it, with flush closing connectors.
Obviously - things out in the air spinning make drag too - so an easy addition - is to fair the Rear Wheels (Easier than the front ones, for sure), using both smooth Hub-Caps (Pizza Pans, or shallow domed style wheel covers, called - 'Racing Disks'), and Rear Wheel Well Skirts.
Rear Ends of the vehicle can also be cleaned up with a large 'Boat Tail' - or even a small one, and sometimes - a new custom 'Air Ejector' Spoiler can do a great job! Obviously - a 15% Improvement in fuel economy for a truck is great - what about a 15% improvement in Fuel Efficiency Boost!
Other items to consider (Removing) - Tall Whip Antenna's, Side View Mirrors (Replace with Side View Camera/Monitor setup), Roof Racks, or any other not used appendage in your current vehicle. Also - Blocking excess air flow inlets - to allow the vehicle to run warmer - and use less cooling air (Drag).
Other items that could be added in - include - improved Front Air Dams (To keep our airflow from under the vehicle), Hood Fairings (to smooth airflow to the windshield), and Side Fairings (to control turbulent vehicle side air flows).
To Really clean up your Vehicles Cd (Coefficient of Drag), combining all of the above elements and tuning them so the work well together - is part of the secret this Japanese Project used - to get twice the distance on the same Energy of a current 'Normal' vehicle:
Bizarre-looking Japanese EV is most aerodynamic production vehicle ever.
Here are some more Tips on making your vehicle more aerodynamic -
How to Make Your Car More Aerodynamic.
Special Vortex generators can also be used to control airflow!
Also - there are other things beside Aerodynamics improvements to reduce Gasoline (or Diesel) Consumption on your vehicle, see: 22 Ways to Make Your Car More Fuel Efficient.
As found on Recumbents.com - things like Lowering the Vehicle - particularly with Ride-Height Adjustable Suspension systems that can allow the vehicle to particularly be lowered at speed, can result in improvements in aerodynamic drag - as much as 3% under the right conditions.
Underside Clean-Up - not a car wash - but an aerodynamic Clean-Up, or a full 'Body Pan' can also provide a significant improvement in Aerodynamic improvement - particularly when combined with Vehicle Lowering Activities. Make it designed for critical access areas having their own 'Inspection Doors' cut into it, with flush closing connectors.
Obviously - things out in the air spinning make drag too - so an easy addition - is to fair the Rear Wheels (Easier than the front ones, for sure), using both smooth Hub-Caps (Pizza Pans, or shallow domed style wheel covers, called - 'Racing Disks'), and Rear Wheel Well Skirts.
Rear Ends of the vehicle can also be cleaned up with a large 'Boat Tail' - or even a small one, and sometimes - a new custom 'Air Ejector' Spoiler can do a great job! Obviously - a 15% Improvement in fuel economy for a truck is great - what about a 15% improvement in Fuel Efficiency Boost!
Other items to consider (Removing) - Tall Whip Antenna's, Side View Mirrors (Replace with Side View Camera/Monitor setup), Roof Racks, or any other not used appendage in your current vehicle. Also - Blocking excess air flow inlets - to allow the vehicle to run warmer - and use less cooling air (Drag).
Other items that could be added in - include - improved Front Air Dams (To keep our airflow from under the vehicle), Hood Fairings (to smooth airflow to the windshield), and Side Fairings (to control turbulent vehicle side air flows).
To Really clean up your Vehicles Cd (Coefficient of Drag), combining all of the above elements and tuning them so the work well together - is part of the secret this Japanese Project used - to get twice the distance on the same Energy of a current 'Normal' vehicle:
Bizarre-looking Japanese EV is most aerodynamic production vehicle ever.
Here are some more Tips on making your vehicle more aerodynamic -
How to Make Your Car More Aerodynamic.
Special Vortex generators can also be used to control airflow!
Also - there are other things beside Aerodynamics improvements to reduce Gasoline (or Diesel) Consumption on your vehicle, see: 22 Ways to Make Your Car More Fuel Efficient.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Who is looking for this Aero Cap information?
Since I set up this blog, People coming to this blog - more times are refered here from the posts and stories in www.EcoModder.com, - actualy 3 of the top 10 referrers are from there, beat only from traffic coming from my aerocaps websites - www.aerocaps.info + http://www.aerocaps.com/
I just discovered a Dodge Dakota Forum - (from the ads on this site) and had a peek there - http://www.dakotaforumz.com! Maybe I should put a few notes in there for reference, and to inquire as to if there is any interest in such a project as this, maybe post some links to the ecomodder projects with such trucks, etc.
The Top Keywords used to find this blog (outside of a direct entry of: aerocap.blogspot.com) are - aerocap, aero mod, truck aerocap, aero cap, geo metro aero mods, aero cap truck, aeromod, 2008 dodge dakota mods, and finally - aerodynamic mods! Not all these links found my site or this blog at the first page every time, but they eventually lead here!
United States is the highest source of traffic to the blog, about 8X as much as from Canada, which is even beat by traffic to it from Russia! There is also traffic here from Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Slovenia, Brazil, France, and even Israel!
From a basic glance at these stats, this tells me that these are the top countries with interest in this subject matter that have made it do this blog! Could also be an indication of people in general in the same countries with an interest in the general subject of improving vehicle aerodynamics!
If you follow any of the links in those I provided in the Keywords paragraph above - you will have seen there are many activities in this area of interest!
I just discovered a Dodge Dakota Forum - (from the ads on this site) and had a peek there - http://www.dakotaforumz.com! Maybe I should put a few notes in there for reference, and to inquire as to if there is any interest in such a project as this, maybe post some links to the ecomodder projects with such trucks, etc.
The Top Keywords used to find this blog (outside of a direct entry of: aerocap.blogspot.com) are - aerocap, aero mod, truck aerocap, aero cap, geo metro aero mods, aero cap truck, aeromod, 2008 dodge dakota mods, and finally - aerodynamic mods! Not all these links found my site or this blog at the first page every time, but they eventually lead here!
United States is the highest source of traffic to the blog, about 8X as much as from Canada, which is even beat by traffic to it from Russia! There is also traffic here from Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Slovenia, Brazil, France, and even Israel!
From a basic glance at these stats, this tells me that these are the top countries with interest in this subject matter that have made it do this blog! Could also be an indication of people in general in the same countries with an interest in the general subject of improving vehicle aerodynamics!
If you follow any of the links in those I provided in the Keywords paragraph above - you will have seen there are many activities in this area of interest!
Monday, February 4, 2013
Aerodynamic Projects, besides mine!
I just added My own blog List in the left column, and will also say - Come check out Lily's Watercolor Paintings, and Electric Avenue for my next event!
In other thoughts, for those who have not heard of them - there is the very excellent site for people doing and reporting on projects of an Aerodynamic Modification nature: EcoModder.
They are currently listing these projects on their home page:
Streamlining the Civic (2005 Civic EX coupe)
David's 2001 Civic EV (80-100 mile range; 65+ MPH; 8 second 0-60)
CRX HF reverse trike project
Project: The Anal Probe
Aero RV (custom boat tail for '95 Ford E-350 Class C motorhome)
Project Land Yacht (BMW 5-series EV conversion)
Tall tire test (taller gearing advantage offset by wider, heavier wheels/tires?)
AirFlow BulletTruck Project (aerodynamic, modified Class 8 transport doubles MPG)* Nice!
Lean burn Honda Civic sedan: 93 Civic d15z1 swap into LX 4 door (VLX)
Aerodynamic streamline template - online tool (view streamlined extension on any car)
CarBEN EV5 Full Sized Prototype Construction - 5 Seat Electric Car From Scratch
Echo-Troll Modding Thread (2005 Toyota Echo)
and so many more - plus this one -
Project - Extended Pop-Top Aerodynamic Camper Shell ('99 Tacoma)
- Closer than the others to relevance to my project for the AeroCaps!
For full coverage - start right at their home page - EcoModder. That way you won't miss their updates!
In other thoughts, for those who have not heard of them - there is the very excellent site for people doing and reporting on projects of an Aerodynamic Modification nature: EcoModder.
They are currently listing these projects on their home page:
Streamlining the Civic (2005 Civic EX coupe)
David's 2001 Civic EV (80-100 mile range; 65+ MPH; 8 second 0-60)
CRX HF reverse trike project
Project: The Anal Probe
Aero RV (custom boat tail for '95 Ford E-350 Class C motorhome)
Project Land Yacht (BMW 5-series EV conversion)
Tall tire test (taller gearing advantage offset by wider, heavier wheels/tires?)
AirFlow BulletTruck Project (aerodynamic, modified Class 8 transport doubles MPG)* Nice!
Lean burn Honda Civic sedan: 93 Civic d15z1 swap into LX 4 door (VLX)
Aerodynamic streamline template - online tool (view streamlined extension on any car)
CarBEN EV5 Full Sized Prototype Construction - 5 Seat Electric Car From Scratch
Echo-Troll Modding Thread (2005 Toyota Echo)
and so many more - plus this one -
Project - Extended Pop-Top Aerodynamic Camper Shell ('99 Tacoma)
- Closer than the others to relevance to my project for the AeroCaps!
For full coverage - start right at their home page - EcoModder. That way you won't miss their updates!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
AeroCaps Project On Hold - but ideas still in mind!
While the Project itself is sitting on the back burner for now - the idea of Vehicle Aero-Dynamic performance improvements is still active.
The Concepts for the Aero Cap included Wheel Skirts, Belly Skins, Intake Air Flow Control, and additional shapes. It also involves ideas that can be applied to Cars and Hatchbacks.
While I am busy organizing EV Fest 2012 Electric Vehicle Show, and working on My Electricfly, I also have other activities involved with Energy and Communications I am working on with my wife, and August Should be productive for those things as well!
Anyone interested in Reducing the unknowns and stabilizing Their Energy Costs for Home or Small Business, or saving money while trying a new service as a bonus, contact me via the contact information at EV Fest 2012!
The Concepts for the Aero Cap included Wheel Skirts, Belly Skins, Intake Air Flow Control, and additional shapes. It also involves ideas that can be applied to Cars and Hatchbacks.
While I am busy organizing EV Fest 2012 Electric Vehicle Show, and working on My Electricfly, I also have other activities involved with Energy and Communications I am working on with my wife, and August Should be productive for those things as well!
Anyone interested in Reducing the unknowns and stabilizing Their Energy Costs for Home or Small Business, or saving money while trying a new service as a bonus, contact me via the contact information at EV Fest 2012!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
AeroCap may have a new test vehicle!
I am currently working to find a vehicle to continue the AeroCap project on, and am in discussions with one possability! Will post updates as they come to be! No Details at this time.
Monday, December 27, 2010
The Dodge Goes Home! Time for the Electricfly!
On Tuesday, December 22, 2010, at 6 P.M. - the Sample Vehicle for my Aerocap, being a leased vehicle, was returned home to the Dealer, and the final payment was made to complete the exit on the Lease!
Unfortunately - that means the Aerocap Project - will be on hold, but one option is to consider placing the existing Aerocap on a Donor Vehicle owned by someone else and work the project with another person (Yet to be determined)!
Living in an Apartment arrangement - has never been the best working arrangement, and in fact - makes most handy projects anything but handy, with the need to never leave a project in work at the end of the day, and no place to work on it out of the sun, wind, and rain, since you have all seen - my parking lot working zone as I progressed on the Aerocap!
The Good thing about this - is now I can focus more on the things needed to do with my 'Electricfly' Electric Firefly or EV (Electric Vehicle) project, and maybe I can use some of the experience from the Aerocap project on the 'electricfly' for aerodynamic cleanup, in the form of wheel covers or skirts, belly pans, nose and tail work on the hatchback all to clean up the apparent drag! Also - the electricfly blog - NoGas96V - will be able to be updated with activity a bit more often, depending on avaialbel time, weather, and energy to work on it - which hopefully will be more soon, due to the constant interest in the car!
Unfortunately - that means the Aerocap Project - will be on hold, but one option is to consider placing the existing Aerocap on a Donor Vehicle owned by someone else and work the project with another person (Yet to be determined)!
Living in an Apartment arrangement - has never been the best working arrangement, and in fact - makes most handy projects anything but handy, with the need to never leave a project in work at the end of the day, and no place to work on it out of the sun, wind, and rain, since you have all seen - my parking lot working zone as I progressed on the Aerocap!
The Good thing about this - is now I can focus more on the things needed to do with my 'Electricfly' Electric Firefly or EV (Electric Vehicle) project, and maybe I can use some of the experience from the Aerocap project on the 'electricfly' for aerodynamic cleanup, in the form of wheel covers or skirts, belly pans, nose and tail work on the hatchback all to clean up the apparent drag! Also - the electricfly blog - NoGas96V - will be able to be updated with activity a bit more often, depending on avaialbel time, weather, and energy to work on it - which hopefully will be more soon, due to the constant interest in the car!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Aerocap Gets Naked!
Well, at least the truck was driven without it's Aerocap on it, as I was going to be taking it in to the dealer get some work done on it, and for a few other reasons, the Aerocap came off!
I have not put it back on yet, and I can see the difference in web traffic, since the tailgate has the website address, and without the cap, there is nothing to get peoples attention, and the name 'aerocaps' in the domain name doesn't get anough traction without the cap on!
I did another fill the Tank, drive to Bracebridge and Back, and top it off, Getting a receipt both times, and writing down the ODO and Trip Numbers of both for reference, but I don't have the numbers in front of me just now, but it will be my first trip over this route without the Aerocap for some time!
Also - in Early July, I bought a Kia Soul, so now I have one parking place but Three Vehicles!!! The Dakota, the Sould, and the Electricfly! [ www.electricfly.info ] So, it is time to think - should I hold the Truck, and Continue on the Aerocap and other aero mods, or set that aside, and focus on the Electric Vehicles?!
[ODO = Odometer]
I have not put it back on yet, and I can see the difference in web traffic, since the tailgate has the website address, and without the cap, there is nothing to get peoples attention, and the name 'aerocaps' in the domain name doesn't get anough traction without the cap on!
I did another fill the Tank, drive to Bracebridge and Back, and top it off, Getting a receipt both times, and writing down the ODO and Trip Numbers of both for reference, but I don't have the numbers in front of me just now, but it will be my first trip over this route without the Aerocap for some time!
Also - in Early July, I bought a Kia Soul, so now I have one parking place but Three Vehicles!!! The Dakota, the Sould, and the Electricfly! [ www.electricfly.info ] So, it is time to think - should I hold the Truck, and Continue on the Aerocap and other aero mods, or set that aside, and focus on the Electric Vehicles?!
[ODO = Odometer]
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The 1 Litre Car!
On June 12 - 13, 2010, I attended the Newmarket Windfall Ecology Festival, and towed up my electricfly there to represent the Electric Vehicle Society of Canada.
It was quite an interesting show, and I learned a few things about Fleet Vehicle licencing versus personal licensing: More Options!
The Key point of this posting comes to this: My Saturday trip to the show - I towed the electricfly up via Highway 401 - 400, and exited Highway #9 - Davis Drive East, continuing to Eagle Street, and on to the Fairy Lake Park where the Show was held, and where I disconnected and positioned th car for the weekend. I drove home via Mulock and Highway 404 - 410. The Average for the day was at 11.0 Litres per 100 Km!
Sunday - I went up the same was as Saturday,k but returned with the car in tow back the same route, and my daily fuel consumption average was at 10.5 Litres/100 Km!
The average between the two days then as at 10.75 L/100 Km, just under a litre above the Vehicle Rating of 9.8 L/100 Km Highway!
This while maintaining a basic steady speed of 100 KPH, and while towing the electricfly for a total of 150 KMs! Consider that the Electricfly weighs in at 2,000 lbs, and - as a Gas Model - even with the 1.0 Litre, 3-cylinder engine, was rated at 4.5 L/100 Km.!
So the combination of my Dodge Dakota with the Aerocap, and the electricfly in tow - used some 3.5 Litres of fuel less, per 100 Kms., than the two vehicles would have used as gas powered - driving seperately to the show!!
It was quite an interesting show, and I learned a few things about Fleet Vehicle licencing versus personal licensing: More Options!
The Key point of this posting comes to this: My Saturday trip to the show - I towed the electricfly up via Highway 401 - 400, and exited Highway #9 - Davis Drive East, continuing to Eagle Street, and on to the Fairy Lake Park where the Show was held, and where I disconnected and positioned th car for the weekend. I drove home via Mulock and Highway 404 - 410. The Average for the day was at 11.0 Litres per 100 Km!
Sunday - I went up the same was as Saturday,k but returned with the car in tow back the same route, and my daily fuel consumption average was at 10.5 Litres/100 Km!
The average between the two days then as at 10.75 L/100 Km, just under a litre above the Vehicle Rating of 9.8 L/100 Km Highway!
This while maintaining a basic steady speed of 100 KPH, and while towing the electricfly for a total of 150 KMs! Consider that the Electricfly weighs in at 2,000 lbs, and - as a Gas Model - even with the 1.0 Litre, 3-cylinder engine, was rated at 4.5 L/100 Km.!
So the combination of my Dodge Dakota with the Aerocap, and the electricfly in tow - used some 3.5 Litres of fuel less, per 100 Kms., than the two vehicles would have used as gas powered - driving seperately to the show!!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Towing to the Distillery!
This weekend - I had the Electricfly 'In Tow' behind the Aerocap to downtown Toronto (East Side) to the Eco Wheels Show in the Distillery District!
It was there as a reference Vehicle for the presentation of the Electric Vehicle Society of Canada, Along with our Tent, and Banners, as provided by our President - Howard Hutt.
We were positioned by the main entrance gate, and I parked my Aerocap Dakota in the back parking lot.
Over the Course of the two days - over 90 people stoped and asked various question about the vehicle, and took some information home with them!
Honestly speaking - many people might not have been there for the show - as the Eco Wheels Show was held in an active entertainment area, and there were even a couple Weddings there on the Saturday! Also - restaurants and bakeries were popular venues in the district! As Such - we did not have a total focused autdience comeing through the show, so I think we did OK!
It was there as a reference Vehicle for the presentation of the Electric Vehicle Society of Canada, Along with our Tent, and Banners, as provided by our President - Howard Hutt.
We were positioned by the main entrance gate, and I parked my Aerocap Dakota in the back parking lot.
Over the Course of the two days - over 90 people stoped and asked various question about the vehicle, and took some information home with them!
Honestly speaking - many people might not have been there for the show - as the Eco Wheels Show was held in an active entertainment area, and there were even a couple Weddings there on the Saturday! Also - restaurants and bakeries were popular venues in the district! As Such - we did not have a total focused autdience comeing through the show, so I think we did OK!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Aerocap Gets (to) the Captical!
This Past Saturday, I drove the Dodge Dakota with the Aerocap on it up to Ottawa, and ... I towed the Electricfly the whole way!
Nearly 1,000 Kms for the trip with the Electricfly in tow - and only one casualty - the Magnetic Trailer Lights were blown off somewhere between Odessa, Ontario, at my Gas Stop, and The Ottawa Science Center - where I was taking the Electricfly up to EV EXPO 2010! (Anyone know how to keep the Magnetic base Trailer Lights attached? Or - is there some speed limit not listed on the package?)
The Tow Bar that is for the car - is not really designed for towing with a bumper ball - which is all I have on the truck at this point, since it is still a lease! On tighter corners - there is a bit of touching and chipping of the paint on the bumper at the drop down.
For pictures of the EVent - I will be posting them on my electricfly blog.
Nearly 1,000 Kms for the trip with the Electricfly in tow - and only one casualty - the Magnetic Trailer Lights were blown off somewhere between Odessa, Ontario, at my Gas Stop, and The Ottawa Science Center - where I was taking the Electricfly up to EV EXPO 2010! (Anyone know how to keep the Magnetic base Trailer Lights attached? Or - is there some speed limit not listed on the package?)
The Tow Bar that is for the car - is not really designed for towing with a bumper ball - which is all I have on the truck at this point, since it is still a lease! On tighter corners - there is a bit of touching and chipping of the paint on the bumper at the drop down.
For pictures of the EVent - I will be posting them on my electricfly blog.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
AeroCap Does Detroit Auto Show!
Well, at least I drove the AeroCap Truck, my 2008 Dodge Dakota to Detroit to SEE the Detroit - excuse me - North American International Auto Show (NAIAS 2010) this Past Weekend!
The Show seemed to have a whole new Flavour, in part to the Absences, and in large part - to the new players: No Porsche exhibit, just one Ferrari, I saw no Bentley, (might have missed that one), and new - a whole section - Electric Avenue, with a focus on the participants in the Progressive Automotive X-Prize Competition, and new Electric Vehicle Companies exhibiting!
Kokam America - is now Owned by Dow Chemical, showed a booth downstairs beside the EV-Ride Pavilion, and one presenter in the X-Prize Area - SSI Racing - Showed their car powered by A123 Systems 26650M1 Cells!
The Battery Pack was in a Clear Polycarbonate Case for show!
It seemed like the show was almost dominated by either EV's or Hybrids, with a push towards higher end Hybrids, and smaller EV's but also Plug-in Hybrids were hinted at! Even Mercedes had a couple of Hybrids out for show! Nearly 1/3rd of the show seemed to focus in this direction!
I saw no mods, or even variations that were obviously targeted at making Pickups more Aerodynamic, less Blunt or draggy, or even cleaner and tigher in their cheet metal, but I might have missed it if it was there - as I was quite excited about the Electric Avenue portion of the show. Anyone else notice such things at the show for Pickups?
The Show seemed to have a whole new Flavour, in part to the Absences, and in large part - to the new players: No Porsche exhibit, just one Ferrari, I saw no Bentley, (might have missed that one), and new - a whole section - Electric Avenue, with a focus on the participants in the Progressive Automotive X-Prize Competition, and new Electric Vehicle Companies exhibiting!
Kokam America - is now Owned by Dow Chemical, showed a booth downstairs beside the EV-Ride Pavilion, and one presenter in the X-Prize Area - SSI Racing - Showed their car powered by A123 Systems 26650M1 Cells!
The Battery Pack was in a Clear Polycarbonate Case for show!
It seemed like the show was almost dominated by either EV's or Hybrids, with a push towards higher end Hybrids, and smaller EV's but also Plug-in Hybrids were hinted at! Even Mercedes had a couple of Hybrids out for show! Nearly 1/3rd of the show seemed to focus in this direction!
I saw no mods, or even variations that were obviously targeted at making Pickups more Aerodynamic, less Blunt or draggy, or even cleaner and tigher in their cheet metal, but I might have missed it if it was there - as I was quite excited about the Electric Avenue portion of the show. Anyone else notice such things at the show for Pickups?
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Boat Tail Mod shows 15% measured improvement!
Just a couple days back - there was a recent story: DIY ‘Boat Tail’ Gives Little Car Big Fuel Economy - By Chuck Squatriglia, Autopia, about Darin Cosgrove, an aquaintances Geo Metro Aero Mod package!His Car - a Pontiac firefly - Like the same one I am using for my Electricfly, but newer, has had simple but practacal testing done - and recorded by Video camera and Tuft Testing to measure flow and turbulence, as well as multiple driving runs to test with mods on and off, to verify the differences, has shown at least a 15% improvement on an already very fuel efficient vehicle.
He Says - “I’ve driven with the tail on for about 300 km in total, mostly at highway speeds up to 100 km/h,” Cosgrove told us. “I didn’t notice any change in handling. The only effect on driving is I have to watch out for rubberneckers in other cars. Seriously.”
The Article mentions "The tail joins the rear wheel skirts, bellypan and other mods he’s made to boost aerodynamic efficiency. The result isn’t much to look at, but it boosted Cosgrove’s fuel efficiency by 15.1 percent at 90 km/hr (56 mph)."
These are all elements to show - that - a vehicle which usually gets below 5 Litre per 100 km, and is now getting below 4 litres per 100 km range - means that's now about one less trip needed to go to the gas station each month or so, so there is a time saving portion to the result as well as a money saving part!
Follow the story to see the Video he posted at the end.
Just think - what would you save if you cleaned up the bottom and rear of your vehicle? Also - if it's done right - you gain a large rear end cruple zone to protect your self and your fellow occupants!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas to you all!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and may your feet not freeze over the winter, and your nose not be red from Alcohol while driving!
Please take a moment to Enjoy a good Christmas Song and share it with others!
Are you staying home this Christmas - or Traveling to Visit Family, Friends? If your Traveling - Safe Journey and return Home Safe, and all the better for the relationship in your life!
We are going out to a Christmas Dinner at one of our Favourite Restaurants in Richmond Hill this time! (No cooking, no dishes, no leftovers! More time to try our hand at some candy and special baking projects we want to do!)
the AeroCaps project is on a bit of a hold with the cold weather an no shop, but it is still generating interest - I can tell by the web traffic!
A Special thank you to my new visitors. Please book mark the site and stop in once a month or so - more often in warmer weather! Feel free to let me know what you would like to see more - in the comments you leave!
Merry Christmas to you all and may the winds of change treat you well in the coming new year!
Please take a moment to Enjoy a good Christmas Song and share it with others!
Are you staying home this Christmas - or Traveling to Visit Family, Friends? If your Traveling - Safe Journey and return Home Safe, and all the better for the relationship in your life!
We are going out to a Christmas Dinner at one of our Favourite Restaurants in Richmond Hill this time! (No cooking, no dishes, no leftovers! More time to try our hand at some candy and special baking projects we want to do!)
the AeroCaps project is on a bit of a hold with the cold weather an no shop, but it is still generating interest - I can tell by the web traffic!
A Special thank you to my new visitors. Please book mark the site and stop in once a month or so - more often in warmer weather! Feel free to let me know what you would like to see more - in the comments you leave!
Merry Christmas to you all and may the winds of change treat you well in the coming new year!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Boat tail reduces truck fuel consumption by 7.5 percent
On November 5, 2009, Darren Quick put up this post in Gizmag, about how a Boat Tail on a truck saves fuel. Even though it was not smooth and graceful, but rather slab sided and boxy - it still turned in "fuel savings of 7.5 percent".
He goes on to say - "The fuel savings, which also means a cut in emissions, were realized by the boat tail dramatically reducing the drag caused by the lower-pressure effect that occurs in the wake of a vehicle." The key thing is the trailing edge or tail end of the vehicle, is the moree critical aspace for airflow control, and wake managment.
He Shows that these were not just one-off, random tests, but long running hard comparisons, averaged out over time - with various changes to the Boat Tail length: "The lorry was driven for a period of one year with a boat tail of varying lengths and one year without a boat tail. The improved aerodynamics were dependent on the length of the boat tail, with the optimum length found to be two meters (6.5-feet)."
In his story, he also points out the many other aero-structures that Trucks have added to them today to save on fuel: "Trucks already sport a range of modifications designed to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle, such as side panels, aerodynamic mudguards and mirrors, and roof deflectors. Of these only side panels are more effective at cutting fuel consumption (9 percent) so it’s hard to imagine we won’t be seeing trucks on the roads with a little extra junk on their trunks in the near future."
However - there are a few things I have discovered by attending a presentation at the University of Toronto, on Vehicle Aerodynamics - putting small vortex generators on those cab side panels causes the air to spin up and tighten up the air flow over the gap between cab and trailer that still exists, and cuts the interference drag at this area caused by air trying to escape from between the trailer and the cab, making a new wall of air, so the air stays attached - from cab to trailer.
He goes on to say - "The fuel savings, which also means a cut in emissions, were realized by the boat tail dramatically reducing the drag caused by the lower-pressure effect that occurs in the wake of a vehicle." The key thing is the trailing edge or tail end of the vehicle, is the moree critical aspace for airflow control, and wake managment.
He Shows that these were not just one-off, random tests, but long running hard comparisons, averaged out over time - with various changes to the Boat Tail length: "The lorry was driven for a period of one year with a boat tail of varying lengths and one year without a boat tail. The improved aerodynamics were dependent on the length of the boat tail, with the optimum length found to be two meters (6.5-feet)."
In his story, he also points out the many other aero-structures that Trucks have added to them today to save on fuel: "Trucks already sport a range of modifications designed to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle, such as side panels, aerodynamic mudguards and mirrors, and roof deflectors. Of these only side panels are more effective at cutting fuel consumption (9 percent) so it’s hard to imagine we won’t be seeing trucks on the roads with a little extra junk on their trunks in the near future."
However - there are a few things I have discovered by attending a presentation at the University of Toronto, on Vehicle Aerodynamics - putting small vortex generators on those cab side panels causes the air to spin up and tighten up the air flow over the gap between cab and trailer that still exists, and cuts the interference drag at this area caused by air trying to escape from between the trailer and the cab, making a new wall of air, so the air stays attached - from cab to trailer.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
VX Innovator (*Americas only offer) $295.00
Well, it seems like Alibre has stirred up some interesting Responses in the CAD World - like this one from VX -
Why pay more when you can get VX for less?
$295 Promotion ends September 30, 2009*
*The promotional offer is available only in the Americas, India and Africa.
Who can use Innovator? It is perfect all around product for getting started – serious enough for heavy duty design work, affordable enough for startup entrepreneurs and hobbyists on tight budgets.
Innovator is an excellent foundational product that contains great modeling, assembly and drafting tools for conceptual and mechanical design
Why pay more when you can get VX for less?
$295 Promotion ends September 30, 2009*
*The promotional offer is available only in the Americas, India and Africa.
Who can use Innovator? It is perfect all around product for getting started – serious enough for heavy duty design work, affordable enough for startup entrepreneurs and hobbyists on tight budgets.
Innovator is an excellent foundational product that contains great modeling, assembly and drafting tools for conceptual and mechanical design
ALIBRE IS OFFERING ALIBRE DESIGN STANDARD FOR ONLY $99!
For two more Days! Get it while you can!
You can check it out by going to Alibre's home page and clicking on the announcement banner at the top of the page.
Alibre Design Standard is usually $999. That's a $900 savings.
Now is the time to buy! No Stimulus Package can compare to this deal. It really is ridiculous!
If you just want to Try the Program for No Risk - that is - No Money - Just start Here
Still - for $99 - It's not a tough Decision!
Alibre Design is an incredibly easy-to-use and learn 3D CAD system for mechanical design, comparable to products like SolidWorks, Pro/ENGINEER or Inventor, but costs thousands less (Even without this Extra Special Discount!).
The software has integrated tutorials and live support, so it's easy to be productive quickly. And if you need more tutorials - check out Mine!
You can check it out by going to Alibre's home page and clicking on the announcement banner at the top of the page.
- If you were ever thinking about moving to 3D but couldn't afford it;
- If you were ever thinking about taking Alibre Design for a test run, but didn't have $1000 to spend;
- If you are contemplating staying ahead of the curve in recession by investing in the growth of your engineering department;
Alibre Design Standard is usually $999. That's a $900 savings.
Now is the time to buy! No Stimulus Package can compare to this deal. It really is ridiculous!
If you just want to Try the Program for No Risk - that is - No Money - Just start Here
Still - for $99 - It's not a tough Decision!
Alibre Design is an incredibly easy-to-use and learn 3D CAD system for mechanical design, comparable to products like SolidWorks, Pro/ENGINEER or Inventor, but costs thousands less (Even without this Extra Special Discount!).
The software has integrated tutorials and live support, so it's easy to be productive quickly. And if you need more tutorials - check out Mine!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
VW Shows 189mpg L1 diesel/electric hybrid at Frankfurt
15-9-2009: The Frankfurt Motor Show marks the debut of the Volkswagen L1 Concept – a diesel-electric hybrid vehicle constructed from aluminium and carbon fibre weighing just 380 kg and capable of returning 189 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting just 39 g/km of CO2.
The L1 can seat two occupants in tandem. They enter through a side-hinging, electrically operated canopy to maximise the aerodynamic efficiency of the L1 Concept. The result is a remarkable co-efficient of drag figure of just 0.195.
Not only is the body extremely aerodynamic but it’s also very light and strong. The safety cell, constructed from carbon fibre reinforced plastic, weighs just 124 kg. At 3,813 mm in length, the L1 Concept is comparable to the Fox yet at just 1,143 mm in height it’s as low as a Lamborghini Murcielago. Its width, at just 1,200 mm, is narrower than any conventional car on sale today
The driving environment shares more in common with an aircraft than a car. The adjustable front seat is thin and constructed from carbon while the rear passenger sits in a fixed seat built into the monocoque. Continue reading at the Original Post
This is an excellent example of combining aerodynamic efficiency with energy efficient drive trains to yield incredible total gains. In the overall plan for the 2008 Dodge Dakota, beyond the AeroCap there are plans for other more interesting aerodynamic additions, improvements, and more. There are also plans for hybridising it with an Electric torque assist system, designed specifically for front-engine, rear-drive vehicles with Drive-shafts. Some of the experience with my electricfly will serve to help me in my plans for the energy storage system of the Hybridizing elements.
The L1 can seat two occupants in tandem. They enter through a side-hinging, electrically operated canopy to maximise the aerodynamic efficiency of the L1 Concept. The result is a remarkable co-efficient of drag figure of just 0.195.
Not only is the body extremely aerodynamic but it’s also very light and strong. The safety cell, constructed from carbon fibre reinforced plastic, weighs just 124 kg. At 3,813 mm in length, the L1 Concept is comparable to the Fox yet at just 1,143 mm in height it’s as low as a Lamborghini Murcielago. Its width, at just 1,200 mm, is narrower than any conventional car on sale today
The driving environment shares more in common with an aircraft than a car. The adjustable front seat is thin and constructed from carbon while the rear passenger sits in a fixed seat built into the monocoque. Continue reading at the Original Post
This is an excellent example of combining aerodynamic efficiency with energy efficient drive trains to yield incredible total gains. In the overall plan for the 2008 Dodge Dakota, beyond the AeroCap there are plans for other more interesting aerodynamic additions, improvements, and more. There are also plans for hybridising it with an Electric torque assist system, designed specifically for front-engine, rear-drive vehicles with Drive-shafts. Some of the experience with my electricfly will serve to help me in my plans for the energy storage system of the Hybridizing elements.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
AeroCap Helps 2008 Dodge Dakota Save Gas
On the return trip from Detroit, Michigan, on Sunday, September 13, 2009, with the help of the AeroCap, even as a still in work project, I was able to get a fuel consumption better than the 9.8 Litres per 100 Km Highway rating on a 380 Km leg from Windsor, Ontario, to Toronto Ontario along the Highway 401 East.
After fueling at the Sunoco at the east end of town heading out to the 401 from the Ambassador Bridge Crossing, I picked up my speed to a 100 KPH (100 kilometers or kms, per hour [about 62 mph]) target speed and set the cruise control.
In spite of the traffic slowdowns, construction issues, and a couple of stops, I was, according to the ScanGauge Trip Display, averaging 9.2 LHK (Litres/100 Km), that's about 93.4% of the rated fuel consumption, or about 6.5% better than the pickup is rated for on the Highway!
All the time in the drive, the Trucks Temperature gauge is showing below the Halfway mark, or - as I understand this - it means the truck is running cooler than normal, so it would seem that it is getting too much cooling air. This means - cooling drag can still be reduced, too. Since the grill is part of the hood, clocking airflow there could prove interesting, and while I have some ideas, none have appeared as most practical to implement yet.
After fueling at the Sunoco at the east end of town heading out to the 401 from the Ambassador Bridge Crossing, I picked up my speed to a 100 KPH (100 kilometers or kms, per hour [about 62 mph]) target speed and set the cruise control.
In spite of the traffic slowdowns, construction issues, and a couple of stops, I was, according to the ScanGauge Trip Display, averaging 9.2 LHK (Litres/100 Km), that's about 93.4% of the rated fuel consumption, or about 6.5% better than the pickup is rated for on the Highway!
All the time in the drive, the Trucks Temperature gauge is showing below the Halfway mark, or - as I understand this - it means the truck is running cooler than normal, so it would seem that it is getting too much cooling air. This means - cooling drag can still be reduced, too. Since the grill is part of the hood, clocking airflow there could prove interesting, and while I have some ideas, none have appeared as most practical to implement yet.
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