SinhaDeturbulator

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?

SAE Paper