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Project Code [EPSPG/2022/213]
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Project title
Aerodynamic Design and CFD Analysis of Environmentally-Friendly Trailers for Electric Vehicles, including Structural & Material Optimisation
Primary Funding Agency
Irish Research Council
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
University College Dublin (UCD)
Project Abstract
Currently most of Ireland�s electric vehicles (EVs) are being manufactured without towing hitches, with one of the main drivers behind this being that manufactures know the detrimental effect that pulling a trailer, or a caravan can have on an EVs range. In some cases, the drag coefficient for the vehicle can nearly double, and there are numerous reports of an EV�s range dropping to half its expected when towing such vehicles. With all our road vehicles transitioning to electric it is paramount that the aerodynamics of car-trailer combinations are studied in-depth and the causes behind the increases in vehicle drag are identified and designed for by trailer manufactures in order to accelerate EV adoption in Ireland and reduce carbon emissions. The trailers found on Irish roads today are primarily made of heavy steel structures and are anything but aerodynamically or structurally optimised as current research has found. The work of this PhD will be to create an extensive design guide for trailer aerodynamics, it will also look to produce a set of products that can be easily attached or appended to trailers that decrease their drag coefficients and extend vehicle range. It is hoped that these products can be patented and sold commercially. A vision exists based on initial findings that pulling a correctly designed trailer can reduce a vehicle�s overall drag, meaning in the future, EV drivers undertaking a long journey will attach one of these ultra lightweight trailers to extend range and reduce emissions.
Grant Approved
�83,833.33
Research Theme
Carbon Stocks, GHG Emissions, Sinks and Management Options
Initial Projected Completion Date
31/08/2025