Fajar Rizqi Sandi Pratama, Aldias Bahatmaka, Muklis Amin, Cho Joung Hyung

Aerodynamic Performance Enhancement of Electric Vehicles Using Selig 1223 Airfoil Wing-Type Spoiler: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Study

Introduction

Aerodynamic performance enhancement of electric vehicles using selig 1223 airfoil wing-type spoiler: a computational fluid dynamics study. Enhance electric vehicle (EV) aerodynamic performance and stability with a Selig 1223 airfoil wing spoiler. A CFD study reveals 110% lift reduction and minimal drag increase.

Abstract

The performance of electric vehicles (EVs) is significantly influenced by aerodynamic forces, which directly affect energy consumption and vehicle stability. One of the main challenges in this regard is the increase in lift and drag forces at higher speeds, which compromises efficiency and handling. This study investigates the impact of a wing type rear spoiler, designed using the Selig 1223 airfoil, on the aerodynamic behavior of EVs. A comparative computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation was conducted on two vehicle models: one without a spoiler and another equipped with the Selig 1223 spoiler mounted at a 15° angle of attack. Both models were tested under five speed conditions ranging from 40 to 120 km/h. The simulation results demonstrated a notable improvement in aerodynamic performance. The spoiler produced an average reduction in the lift coefficient (Cl) of approximately 110%, while the drag coefficient (Cd) showed only a slight increase, with the highest recorded rise being 13.3% at 120 km/h. Pressure distribution analysis revealed a substantial increase in static pressure at the rear of the vehicle (Point P3), rising from 37.47 Pa to 660.859 Pa, indicating enhanced downforce. Additionally, streamline and velocity contour plots confirmed improved airflow regulation and reduced turbulence behind the vehicle when the spoiler was installed. These findings indicate that the Selig 1223 airfoil spoiler effectively enhances EV stability and safety with minimal aerodynamic penalties, making it a promising aerodynamic enhancement for future electric vehicle designs.

Review

This study presents a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) investigation into enhancing the aerodynamic performance of electric vehicles (EVs) through the integration of a wing-type rear spoiler based on the Selig 1223 airfoil. Addressing the critical issues of lift and drag at higher speeds that impact EV efficiency and stability, the authors compare a baseline EV model against one equipped with the proposed spoiler. The central finding indicates a significant improvement in aerodynamic characteristics, notably a substantial reduction in lift, achieved with a relatively modest increase in drag, suggesting a promising solution for improving EV handling and safety. The methodology employed a comparative CFD simulation, rigorously testing both vehicle configurations across a range of speeds from 40 to 120 km/h, with the spoiler mounted at a 15° angle of attack. The results are compelling, reporting an impressive average reduction in the lift coefficient (Cl) of approximately 110%, translating into greatly enhanced downforce. This crucial benefit comes with a controlled penalty, as the drag coefficient (Cd) increased only slightly, peaking at 13.3% at the highest simulated speed. Further supporting these findings, the analysis of pressure distribution revealed a dramatic increase in static pressure at the rear of the vehicle, from 37.47 Pa to 660.859 Pa, directly correlating with the increased downforce. Visualizations of streamline and velocity contours additionally confirmed improved airflow regulation and reduced turbulence in the wake, reinforcing the effectiveness of the Selig 1223 spoiler in optimizing airflow. While the CFD analysis provides strong evidence for the effectiveness of the Selig 1223 airfoil spoiler, the abstract could benefit from specifying the generic or particular EV model used for the simulations, as this can affect the generalizability of the findings. Future work could also include experimental validation to corroborate the CFD results and further investigate the direct impact on energy consumption under real-world driving cycles, given that energy efficiency is a core concern for EVs. Nonetheless, this study presents a well-executed computational analysis demonstrating a viable and effective method for improving EV stability and safety. The findings offer valuable insights for automotive engineers, highlighting the potential of optimized airfoil-based spoilers in future electric vehicle designs.

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