The University of ٍٍٍ½خرتسئµ partners with Solomon Commercials to improve efficiency of refrigerated HGVs
Researchers at The University of ٍٍٍ½خرتسئµ have partnered with Solomon Commercials, a leading manufacturer of temperature-controlled transport, to enhance the aerodynamic performance of refrigerated heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).
The study, led by the Modelling & Simulation Centre within the Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering at The University of ٍٍٍ½خرتسئµ, seeks to address major inefficiencies within refrigerated HGVs and find solutions to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions within the fleet through aerodynamic improvements.
Although this category of vehicle represents only 5% of the total fleet of European vehicles, they contribute around 30% of COâ‚‚ emissions from transportation. While advancements in engine efficiency and hybrid technology are already underway, aerodynamics remains the second biggest source of energy losses.
The key challenge lies in the addition of refrigeration units, typically mounted above the cabin, which disrupt airflow and significantly increases drag.
Professor Alistair Revell, Head of the Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering at The University of ٍٍٍ½خرتسئµ, said: “Despite significant work on consumer automotive aerodynamics, there has been relatively little focus on refrigerated vehicles. It is highly likely that significant gains in aerodynamic efficiency can still be made for these vehicles, which would translate to sizeable reductions in fuel consumption.
“We are extremely fortunate to be partnering with Solomon Commercials who have the foresight to focus on novel aerodynamic solutions and a flexible approach to problem solving. This offers the opportunity to bring cutting-edge research to the real world in a short space of time. â€
The researchers will use Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to analyse turbulent flow around the cab-mounted fridge unit to better understand the benefits of aerodynamic features. The insights will support Solomon Commercials to design the next generation aerodynamic slipstream systems.
With refrigerated HGVs covering over 130,000 km annually and fuel costs exceeding آ£30,000 per vehicle, even a 10% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency could save operators around آ£3,000 per truck each year. The improvements also align with broader industry efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions and support sustainable logistics.
Mark Hanson, Technical Director Solomon Commercials, said: “Our continued goal is to deliver innovative transport systems that our customers know will help reduce their environmental impact while transporting temperature sensitive commodities across multiple sectors safely and efficiently.
“Our association with The University of ٍٍٍ½خرتسئµâ€™s Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering outlines our commitment to reducing energy costs and supporting our customers journey to a more sustainable fleet.â€