Promens Zlin has signed a contract with the Dutch company Ephicas to develop and manufacture parts for Ephicas patented SideWing® panels for truck trailers.
Ephicas, which is a spin-off company of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at the TU Delft, has developed the SideWing® concept to increase the aerodynamics of truck trailers, improving their fuel economy and contributing to a better environment.
The SideWing® panels are designed to cover the entire side of the trailer. Truck trailers commonly cause up to 50% of the air resistance associated with long-haul vehicles and according to Ephicas SideWing® reduce the drag by 18%. This results in an average reduction in fuel consumption of 9%. As SideWing® covers the wheels of the trailer they also reduce water spray in rainy conditions as well as road noise. They also reduce potential danger for pedestrians. The picture below illustrates how the C panels capture the airflow and guide it towards the tail of the trailer

Airflow dynamics of a truck trailer with SideWing® panels.

SideWing® consists of 14 panels, the largest being 2,7 meters long. “Operating a mould this large is very challenging and pulling the project through has really put our team to the test” says Robert Zatloukal General Manager Promens Zlin. Apart from moulding the SideWing® parts Promens Zlin will also be responsible for assembly and shipping to customers worldwide.

A truck hauling a trailer with SideWing® aerodynamic panels.

“We have been looking for a project partner for quite a while” says Hessel Jongebreur, Ephicas CEO. “We selected Promens as they were the only company fulfilling all our requirements for material and engineering development capabilities, as well as company culture.”

SideWing® is available for trailer manufacturers, truck makers and dealers worldwide. For more information on SideWing® go the international website of Ephicas www.ephicas.eu.