An Improved Over-the-Road Test Method for Determining the Fuel Savings Benefit of a Truck Aerodynamic Drag-Reducing Device

The problem of evaluating the fuel savings benefit of a truck aerodynamic drag-reducing device in an over-the-road test is addressed. A demonstration of the limitations of current SAE short-term test methods led to the development of a modified, wind-monitoring-based procedure which facilitates a more fundamental analysis of the test data from which a more meaningful estimate of the long-term fuel savings benefit can be derived. Sample results from the application of the new test and analysis procedure are reported to demonstrate the usefulness of the improved test technique. The procedure also provides findings that are of interest in wind-tunnel-to-road correlation exercises.