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A series of scaled wind tunnel tests are conducted to investigate the aerodynamic benefits of heavy vehicle platooning and the availability of cooling air for trailing vehicles on two- and four-vehicle platoons. To measure the aerodynamic drag, scale models are mounted onto a splitter plate by means of a low-friction linear bearing and a load cell located within each model trailer. In addition to drag, pressure measurements are made with a pitot probe positioned at the center of each model radiator grill. Four homogeneous, two-vehicle platoons are tested for spacings up to 300′ and six heterogeneous, four-vehicle platoons are tested with spacings ranging from 30′ to 50′. For the heterogeneous platoons, configurations are tested with one distinct heavy vehicle or medium duty vehicle, as well as with four distinct heavy vehicles. Over spacings of 15′ to 80′, the best performing homogeneous, two-vehicle platoons are comprised of a Supertruck tractor and straight frame trailer.

This paper summarizes the results of a program to develop key components for the Optical Waveguide (OW) Solar Plant Lighting System. In the OW solar lighting system, solar radiation is collected by the concentrator which transfers the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) to the OW transmission line consisting of low-loss optical fibers. The OW line transmits the solar radiation to the plant growing units where the PAR component of the radiation is directed to the plants. The non-PAR components of the solar radiation is directed to the energy conversion device for non-plant lighting applications. This program, conducted by Physical Sciences Inc.