Denver, CO… Colorado-based company, Avantechs, announced that its VorBlade Wing System , which improves the aerodynamics for trucks and trailers, was recently verified  by the EPA SmartWay Program.  This means the EPA has confirmed that the VorBlade technology provides significant fuel savings and emissions reduction. With the SmartWay verification of  the VorBlade Wing System, the technology also now meets the California Air Resources Board (CARB) aerodynamic technology requirement for trailers that goes into effect January 1,2013. VorBlade is an innovative vortex generator designed specifically for heavy trucks to reduce aerodynamic drag and mitigate detrimental cross wind effects.   

The VorBlade System is simple and convenient to use, inexpensive, light weight (under 50 lbs.) and extremely efficient . It  does not require any operating or maintenance procedures.  Recent tests by the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) found that a tractor-trailer equipped with the VorBlade technology on the trailer, reduced fuel consumption for a Class 8 trucks by over 7%.   For an average long-haul trucker, this translates into an annual estimated cost savings of over $5,000 per truck.

In addition to fuel savings and emissions reduction, the VorBlade enhances safety.  The VorBlade System acts to improve stability of the vehicle by mitigating the hazardous effects of side forces and cross winds associated with wind-related accidents.  Tests have found that VorBlade can reduce the detrimental effects of cross winds by upward to 60%.  Not only does it reduce the chances of trailers rolling over during high winds but it also helps decrease driver stress and fatigue during those periods.

The Chief Technology Officer of the company, Andrew Praskovsky, stated that “VorBlade is an innovative solution whose time has come.  It applies a technology that has been effectively used in the aviation industry for many years. Now it has come to the trucking industry. It lessens aerodynamic drag and in turn improves fuel efficiency and safety.  The VorBlade offers fleets and truck owners the opportunity to save money, enhance safety, and reduce emissions.”

Avantechs Inc. is a multi-disciplinary research and development (R&D) consulting company with the primary focus in aerodynamics, of turbulence and remote sensing of turbulent flows. Its team of leading scientists and highly qualified engineers has extensive experience in developing and testing innovative products, performing thorough theoretical analysis, laboratory and field tests, gathering and analyzing research data. The team’s members has supported a variety of R&D projects for the Federal Aviation Administration, the NAVY, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and the Air Force Research Laboratory in the areas of aviation safety in turbulent atmosphere and innovative signal processing methods and algorithms for phased array radars. Avantechs R&D team has hundreds of scientific publications and multiple patents in measurement, analysis and active control of turbulent flows, signal processing for remote sensors, and reduction in aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption for motor vehicles. Avantechs is a member of the American Trucking Association, and the Colorado Motor Carriers Association. For more information on Avantechs and the VorBlade, please visit http://VorBlade.com.