Adaptation of Aircraft Drag Reduction technology
What is a
Deturbulator?
The Deturbulator: A Device which removes turbulent fluctuations from flows (Opposite of “Turbulator)”
Sinhatech’s
fuel cost saving product is the “Deturbulator” strip. It is a stick-on low
profile aero-drag reducing device, which does not impede normal operation of
the vehicle in any way. It reduces aero-drag through mitigating turbulence in
airflows. This is an entirely new approach which relies on encasing an
unstreamlined object within a turbulence free separated flow region. This can
make a truck appear more streamlined to the airflow. Because of its low initial and replacement
cost, and fairly significant fuel savings through aero-drag reduction the
Deturbulator strip provides excellent value for long-distance trucks.
Typically, the Deturbulator installation pays for itself through fuel savings
within about 2-5 weeks and needs to be replaced about once a year.
What are its main
components
The main components consist of a flexible composite skin or membrane stretched across a substrate with ridges..A system of vents equalizes air pressure in the membrane-substrate gap with the air flowing over the Deturbulator.
Sinhatech’s Deturbulator Strip incorporates these components within a replaceable slide in insert. The adhesive-backed receptacle, into which the insert slides it is stuck to the sides of the vehicle.
How does it Work
The Deturbulator coverts vortices responsible for generating turbulence into small scale vortices which naturally dissipate quickly. This short circuits turbulence production. In other words, turbulence is destroyed as soon as it forms.
The large-scale turbulence producing vortices are similar to a rolling tire. The ridges on the substrate act like rumble strips. These interrupt the long waves on the membrane. The vortices in the flow direct communicate with waves on the membrane provided the Deturbulator is located at the appropriate place on the vehicle or body.
The optimum places or “sweet-spots” for locating the Deturbulator depend on the model and configuration. Contact Sinhatech for details.

Details of Deturbulator Action:
How Does the
Deturbulator Reduce Drag of trucks and cars?
The Aerodynamic Drag or air resistance is primarily due to turbulence in regions of separated flow. Flow separation occurs when flow over an object cannot follow the contour of the object and pulls away. Turbulence in the separated region destroys flow mechanical energy as heat. This causes a loss in static pressure. For separated flow behind a vehicle, this low pressure “holds back” the vehicle. This shows up as “form” or pressure drag. The Deturbulator converts these separated regions into almost stagnant air masses. Such air masses can behave as a virtual boat-tail and make the vehicle appear more streamlined to the flow.
For tractor trailer trucks, the Deturbulator can de-enegize vortices in the tractor-trailer gap. It can also encase an entire load on a flatbed with a stagnant air bubble. Both reduce drag. Since about 50% of the engine power goes towards overcoming aero-drag at highway speeds, every 2% reduction in aero-drag translates into 1% improvement in fuel economy (miles per gallon)
How much fuel can the
Deturbulator save for operational trucks?
Some results are listed below
Name of Company
|
Type of tractor
|
Type of Trailer
|
Length of operation
|
Mpg before treatment
|
Mpg after treatment
|
savings
|
Payback period
|
Rollin S. Express, Oxford,
MS
|
2001 Volvo streamlined
sleeper
|
Flat-bed
|
2 Weeks May 16 - 30 data
from driver fuel report
|
5.4
May 2-16 data from driver fuel report |
6.9
(29.5% improvement) |
$1000 valued at $4.60 per
gallon
|
1.75 weeks
|
Western Express, Nashville,
TN
|
Freightliner Columbia
sleeper 2007 model
|
Flat-bed
|
Installed on June 11;
measured for 1 trip to California
|
4.77
with a comparable trailer and load run previous month |
5.38
(12.7% improvement) |
Over $400 in 3,500 miles
($4.77/gal)
|
Less than 1 week
|
Western Express, Nashville,
Tennessee
|
3 truck average;
Freightliner Columbia sleeper one 2006 and two 2007 models
|
Flat-bed
|
Treatment applied on July 8,
2008; data from computer downloaded end of July
Varied loads (e.g., pipes to large A/C equipment extending above cab) varied routes |
5.45 for same group of three
untreated trucks (over one month)
|
5.92 over one month for
group after treatment (8.6% improvement);
fleet mileage increased by 0.04mpg during the same time; so seasonally adjusted improvement is 0.43 mpg (7.8% improvement) |
$380 based on being driven
for 11,000 miles per month and diesel at $4.00 per gallon
|
2.6 weeks
(10,000 miles per month) |
Advanced Drainage Systems,
Jackson Mississippi
|
Volvo Class-6 day-cab with
wind deflectors
|
53-ft Cage- like trailer for
hauling pipes
|
Treatment applied July 9,
2008; monthly data from computer pulled August 5, 2008
|
6.99
|
7.30
(4.37% improvement) |
$181 Based on 7,550 miles
per month @$4.00 per gallon
|
8.9 weeks
|
Has SAE/TMC standard fuel economy tests been performed on the Deturbulator?
SAE J1321/TMC-Type-II tests are scheduled for December 2008
Are there Technical Publications?