Atropos : An Aeorodynamic Converting Hybrid Semi Truck

The smallest improvement to the highway freight industry will create a great impact. This highly efficient truck is achieved by the use of a diesel/electric hybrid setup, a converting sleeper cab, and its streamline design. The truck runs with high efficiency through the use of a combustion turbine coupled with an electrical generator. The generator charges the battery reservoir. The combustion turbine utilizes its thermal energy by the use of a steam generator throughout the cooling system, the steam generator also provides an additional amount of cooling, reducing the size of engine ventilation and overall body drag.

The converging sleeper cab sits like a conventional driving cab, but allows for more visibility. The driving cab rotates to allow for a better sleeping position, and reveals a storage compartment for personal storage and a mini dresser. While the cab is in the sleep position the drive pedals are locked out under the cab, due to the rotation, for safety. The seats fold down and together to form a comfortable memory foam mattress.

The cab glass is also ionized and tints or blacks out according to the driver’s needs, the location of the tint will also modify to allow for view on top and not out the sides, or as the driver wishes. The aerodynamic streamline shape was inspired by locomotives and DTM race cars. The fenders sweep up to provide minimal drag, while the hood sleekly rounds to allow air to pass effortlessly, much like an airplane nose. The cab forms a tear drop shape, and covers over the cab-trailer gap, eliminating drag between the cab and trailer. The cab is also bowed at the rear to accommodate the trailer during turns while reducing drag by covering over the sides.

Text from Peter :

Aerodynamic Converting Hybrid Semi. The hybrid truck utilizes its aerodynamics by eliminating the sleeper cab and rounding the body. Long haul truck drivers are the target market. The driving cab rotates to accommodate the driver for sleep and exposes a storage compartment for clothes and possessions. The wheelbase adjusts to provide optimum aerodynamics and ride comfort, while allowing parking to become an easier task. The rear portion of the cab is curved to form the radius of the trailer to allow for turns and additional aerodynamics. The top portion of the cab has an adjustable airfoil to allow air over the top of the trailer, thus reducing even more drag. In the cab the driver experiences a sense of openness and optimal vision, but when he or she needs privacy the Ionized windows will tint or even black out for sleep.

“I set out to create an efficient truck for the vast highway freight market. Even the smallest increase in efficiency creates a huge impact on the overall use of fuel. In the U.S. alone, millions of gallons of diesel are used every year on semi truck transit. Along with its environmental impact the truck must accommodate for its driver at rest and at work. The cab must give the feeling of home while at the same time provide a safe driving environment. Parking the truck without the trailer is also an issue to address. ” states Peter Azzouni.