Blown away

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Scania Group Press Release  /  September 19, 2016

Aerodynamic characteristics were a key focus for Scania as it developed its new generation of trucks. The record-low levels of air drag in the range significantly reduce both fuel consumption and environmental impacts.

Vehicles with an aerodynamic shape use less fuel. Air flows easily over them and less energy is required to propel them forward. Even small changes in design and shape can make a big difference.

In 1991, Scania Streamline was launched, a truck and cab that set new industry standards for both design and fuel consumption. The concept was further refined in 2013 with the release of a completely new Streamline, which in turn has been the reference vehicle as the aerodynamics for Scania’s latest generation of trucks have been tested.

In Europe’s biggest wind tunnel – located north of Amsterdam, among the cows and wind farms on the coast of the Netherlands – a Scania team is working against the clock. With time in the high-tech facility strictly limited, conducting as many tests as possible in the time available is crucial.

“This wind tunnel in the Netherlands is the only facility in Europe where it’s possible to test the aerodynamic performance of full-sized trucks with trailers,” says David Söderblom, Senior Engineer Aerodynamics and test leader for the all-important wind-tunnel tests.

Improved aerodynamics, with a view to obtaining better fuel economy, is one of the main innovations in the new generation of trucks. And while the tests in the wind tunnel are costly, the work is being carried out for the sake of customers.

Per Elofsson is Senior Technical Manager Aerodynamics and responsible for the aerodynamic qualities and characteristics of the new generation of trucks. He explains that as early as 2006 a basic study was conducted, which was then followed by styling proposals and pre-studies. Now, 10 years on, the last tests are being conducted in the wind tunnel.

“Numerous aerodynamic improvements work together to provide significant fuel savings compared with our existing trucks – vehicles that are already considered industry benchmarks in terms of fuel consumption,” says Elofsson, pointing out the most important aerodynamic improvements.

“A key factor is the new optimised corners of the cab. But we have also modified the roof and increased the number of performance steps for things like air deflectors, the shape of the bumper, and wheel arches. We’ve also done a lot of work on the underside of the vehicle. We have more panels and inner seals and side air deflectors with a lengthened lower edge to reduce the gap between the side skirts and the air deflector. It all combines to produce what we believe is the most aerodynamic truck on the market.”

Good aerodynamics also contributes to reducing the noise level, both inside and outside the truck. Ragnar Glav is Scania’s Technical Manager Acoustics and responsible for the sound environment in the new Scania. The wind tunnel allows him to conduct aero-acoustic measurements in a controlled and quiet environment.

“I work with the sound environment within the cab, partly to ensure a good working environment but also to communicate Scania’s character,” he says. “To evaluate the acoustic characteristics of the vehicle we conduct measurements both on the road and in wind tunnels.”

“Our goal is always that the driver should feel he or she is driving a premium product. This should also be reflected in the sound quality.”

Reduced air drag saves fuel

The new generation of Scania trucks has been designed to provide the best aerodynamic performance ever, and the trucks include a range of new, innovative features for reducing drag.

Scania now offers three adjustable air deflectors to enhance alignment between the cab and the roofs of trailers. Customers can adjust the alignment themselves.

Other drag-reducing features on the cab are:

• integrated auxiliary lights and end-marker lamps placed just under the roof and windscreen – an external sun visor is not needed

• smaller gaps and tolerances between all components and lights, with the windscreen mounted flush to the cab

• optimally-shaped rear view mirrors.

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