Denver-based Avantechs Inc. has announced that its VorBlade Wing System, which improves the aerodynamics and safety for trucks and trailers by reducing drag and crosswind effects, was recently verified by the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay program for providing proven fuel savings.
VorBlade is an innovative vortex generator designed specifically for heavy trucks to reduce aerodynamic drag and mitigate detrimental crosswind effects. The VorBlade System is simple and convenient to use, inexpensive, lightweight (under 50 lbs.) and extremely efficient, according Andrew Praskovsky, chief technology officer for Avantechs.
Recent tests by the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) found that a tractor-trailer equipped with the VorBlade technology on the trailer reduced fuel consumption for a Class 8 trucks by over 7%. For an average long-haul trucker, this translates into an annual estimated cost savings of over $5,000 per truck, Praskovsky said.
The VorBlade System also acts to improve stability of the vehicle by mitigating the hazardous effects of side forces and cross winds associated with wind-related accidents. Tests have found that VorBlade can reduce the detrimental effects of cross winds by upward to 60%, Praskovsky said. Not only does it reduce the chances of trailers rolling over during high winds but it also helps decrease driver stress and fatigue during those periods.
With the SmartWay verification of the VorBlade Wing System, the technology also now meets the California Air Resources Board (CARB) aerodynamic technology requirement for trailers that goes into effect Jan. 1,2013.
For more information on Avantechs and the VorBlade, visit http://VorBlade.com.
