ALBANY, N.Y. –The state of New York is awarding ATDynamics a grant to develop active flow control (AFC) technology that reduces aerodynamic drag by modifying airflow at the rear of tractor-trailers. ATDynamics itself will also match about 50% of the US$499,645 funding from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the company announced.

“To carry on our role as a pioneer in trailer aerodynamics, we’re providing the long-haul trucking industry with a technology that is well established in aerospace engineering,” said Andrew Smith, CEO of ATDynamics. “With support from New York State, we can turn active flow control into a trucker-tough product that is cost-effective for our fleet customers and OEM partners.”

Chuck Horrell, vice-president of engineering with ATDynamics said fleets with trailers that use roll-up doors stand to benefit from the emerging technology, since they cannot take advantage of current technology designed for swing doors.

“We are engineering AFC to integrate directly into the rear frame of a roll-door trailer,” he explained.

ATDynamics will be evaluating AFC in real-world conditions through New York state, beginning in 2010. •