This is often the question we get about V-spoilers and vortex generators.

This is primarily because people do not know the physics of aerodynamics, turbulence, and wind resistance, which is natural enough, as this is a very large and extensive field of science to familiarize yourself with.

Aerodynamics is found in many things and places around us in everyday life. The wind turbine industry works purposefully every day to precisely utilize wind and turn it into propulsion instead of wind resistance. In fact, the industry also uses vortex generators similar to those from V-spoilers. Watch film clip here;

Formula 1 racing is another industry where combating wind resistance is of the utmost importance, as you drive at speeds that both provide wind resistance behind the vehicle (called drag) and also under the vehicle (called lift). Even in the aviation industry and at NASA, vortex generators principles are used. In fact, this is where knowledge about vortex generators started back in the 1950s, and work is still being done every day to improve aircraft's ability to use the wind properly.

Even in the sports world, it is known to have to know aerodynamics. Be it in cycling, running, swimming, etc. Yes, even the sport of golf uses aerodynamics knowledge by giving a golf ball small dimples (vortex generators). This, like V-spoilers' vortex generators, reduces wind resistance, as the air is transformed into two small vortices that makes the ball flies further. If the golf ball were completely smooth, it would only fly half as far!

Aerodynamics, turbulence, and vacuum are important things to know about in the world of sports. It may just be the small advantage you gain, or generally improve your result. The same applies in driving with vehicles, which also by changing the air resistance around vehicles, get the extra km and save a lot of CO2.

Speed with which an object moves is of great importance. Therefore, there is no effect of the V-spoiler's vortex generators until you drive over 45 km/h. But the more you drive over 45km/h, the more you get positive use out of the product.

In Europe, trucks and vans are not allowed to drive as fast as they are allowed in North America, so in the USA and Canada you have better use of vortex generators. But basically, you benefit from fuel savings and less CO2 emissions as soon as you drive over 45 km/h. Therefore, it is vehicles that drive longer distances, and not small vans that e.g. only makes deliveries in big cities. These rarely exceed 45km/h on average.

V-Spoilers has plenty of documentation in the form of wind tunnel and CFD tests that we have carried out at: EDR MEDESO GROUP, which is a recognized test firm that, among other things, works for the racing car industry, the wind turbine industry and recognized car brands. EDR MEDESO GROUP can be seen here; https://edrmedeso.com/  and our test results can be found here;https://v-spoilers.com/site/the-v-spoiler

A V-spoiler vortex generator can be attached to the vehicle both at the front of the cab (tractor head) and at the rear of the vehicle (back of trailer). The small wings change the air resistance into small vortices that cause the air to be thrown further back, whereby much of the wind resistance that sucks in the back of the vehicle (called drag) becomes significantly smaller. Vehicles use anything between 30 to as much as 50% of their energy to compensate for this "suction", and therefore use too much fuel and CO2 emissions.

Calculating the so-called drag is a complicated matter, as all conditions must be constant. This is very difficult to achieve during normal driving, as every day there are changes in the environment and driving.

Thus, wind conditions will change from day to day. One day headwind, the next crosswind, etc. Likewise, temperatures change, just as a route driven can be different from day to day. One day very uphill, the next downhill. And also the weight of the truck or van will usually vary from day to day.

Another important factor is the drivers. These also have very different driving characteristics which are expressed every day. The important thing about drivers is that they can of course be trained to drive most economically, but with V-spoilers you don't need to change your driving habits, as the vortex generators do their job in all kinds of wind and weather.

But there is more to this as it also depends on the vehicle and the speed it can drive. Eg. you must also consider the air moving under the vehicle and the speed of this. Therefore, the racing car is also exposed to the air that causes the vehicle to lift (Lift coefficient), as they drive at very high speed. The aviation industry therefore also uses vortex generators to ensure that aircraft can take off and land more easily in wind resistance.

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The drag coefficient is calculated with aerodynamic tests and simulations. It is measured directly in wind tunnels or with the help of flow measuring instruments, and it almost goes without saying that how big the air resistance is, depends on the shape of the object and the speed with which it cuts through the air.

V-spoilers change the airflow along, and at the back of the vehicle, with the small spoilers, which change the wind that hits. This creates a lot of small vortices, which cause the air to be thrown further back. In the end, it is about preventing air resistance between the tractor and trailer, as well as getting the vacuum that occurs at the very back of the truck or van to be directed further away from the rear end.

Regardless of whether you use a V-spoiler or other wing types that are placed at the back of the vehicle, there will always still be some vacuum, but the benefits are understandable when you save between 3-7% fuel and Co2 emissions.