FRUGAL INNOVATION FOR SAVING ENERGY IN CONTAINER MOVEMENT
Srijan Sanchar proposes frugal innovation for energy saving opportunities stemming from covering only the sides of an ISO container with fabric, when it's moving on trucks at between 60 to 80 km/h:
The primary energy saving opportunity from covering only the sides of an ISO container with fabric, while moving on a truck at 80 km/h, lies in *reducing aerodynamic drag, specifically **pressure drag*, rather than direct friction from contact.
1. *Reduction in Aerodynamic Drag (Pressure Drag):*
* *Smoothing Airflow:* The main benefit is the creation of a smoother, more continuous surface along the container's sides. This helps to channel airflow more efficiently, preventing air from directly impinging on the typically corrugated or ribbed sides of an ISO container.
* *Minimizing Turbulence:* By presenting a more streamlined profile, the fabric covering can reduce turbulence and eddies that would otherwise form around the irregular surfaces and sharp edges of the container's side walls. This leads to a reduction in pressure drag, which is the dominant component of aerodynamic resistance at highway speeds.
2. *Modest Fuel Efficiency Improvement:*
* At 80 km/h, aerodynamic drag accounts for a significant portion (60-70%) of a truck's total resistance. Even a partial reduction in this drag can translate to fuel savings.
* A well-fitted side fabric covering can realistically offer a *1% to 3% improvement in fuel efficiency*.
3. *Cost-Effectiveness (Potentially):*
* Compared to more complex aerodynamic modifications like full underbody fairings, a fabric side covering could potentially be a simpler and less expensive solution to implement. This makes it an accessible opportunity for fleets looking for incremental savings without significant capital investment or structural changes to their trailers/containers.
4. *Contribution to Lower Operating Costs:*
* Even a 1-3% fuel saving, when multiplied across a fleet of trucks covering thousands of kilometers annually, can lead to substantial reductions in overall fuel expenditure. This directly contributes to lower operational costs for logistics companies.
5. *Environmental Benefits:*
* Reduced fuel consumption directly correlates with lower carbon emissions (CO2) and other pollutants. Implementing such a measure, even if modest in individual impact, contributes to the overall environmental sustainability goals of the transportation sector.
*Limitations:*
It's crucial to reiterate that these opportunities are limited by the fact that the *undergear remains uncovered*. The exposed wheels, axles, and suspension components create significant turbulence and drag, representing a missed opportunity for further and more substantial energy savings. For maximum aerodynamic efficiency, a full side skirt system that extends low enough to cover the undergear, combined with other aerodynamic devices, would be necessary.