Critical need for this technology
More than 70% of the freight tonnage in the US is moved by trucks consuming over 54 billion gallons of fuel per year. At highway speeds, aerodynamic drag is responsible for over 65% of the vehicle’s fuel consumption. With ever-rising fuel prices, one of the main operating costs and limiting factors for profitability for trucking fleets is fuel. Aeromutable’s aerodynamic enhancing technology will enable the trucking industry to increase its profitability by reducing its fuel consumption and carbon footprint.
Supplemental need for the technology
Aeromutable’s technology provides immediate dynamic response to environmental changes around the vehicle. This feature allows for a smoother and safer vehicle operation, reducing driver fatigue and increasing the vehicle’s operational envelope.
Potential CO2 Reduction
Heavy-duty trucking for transportation accounts for approximately 3,000 MtCO2e of emissions each year. Adoption of Aeromutable’s technology would reduce emissions in this market by 10-20%, potentially reducing over 500 MtCO2e of emissions annually.
Competition
Aeromutable faces competition from large and small companies currently are developing drag-reducing devices for heavy vehicles, as well as companies targeting the aerodynamic behavior of heavy vehicles.
Potential markets
The main target for Aeromutable is trucking fleets interested in reducing their operational costs by reducing fuel consumption.
Value proposition: Aerodynamic modification will lead to significant drag reduction and stability enhancements.
Key innovation
The technology relies on the development of low-profile and unobtrusive technology capable of dynamically modifying the aerodynamic behavior of ground vehicles.
R&D status of product
Extensive analysis and validation with the use of numerical simulations have been performed to determine the feasibility of this technology. Physical prototyping is underway and various engineering challenges are being resolved to bring Aeromutable’s first product to market.
Team overview
Co-founder, CEO and Heavy Vehicle Aerodynamicist
Ph.D. and M.S. in Aeronautics & Astronautics, Stanford University
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Bradley University
A.A.S. in Integrated Engineering Technology, College of DuPage
Co-founder, COO and Sensor Design Engineer
Sandra N. Manosalvas-Kjono
Ph.D. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Stanford University
B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Stanford University
Technology profile
Status:R&D
Primary industry:Shipping
Category:Aerodynamics
Estimated annual revenue:NA
Employs:NA
Social challenge:Energy efficiency/Reduction of harmful emissions
R&D commercial collaborator:NA
