Developing active-spoiler on a new BEV using combined methods

Abstract This paper presents a new type of active aerodynamic device that can decrease overall aero drag by improving base pressure recovery. The ideology of using an active spoiler is, in fact, a compromise between aerodynamic performance, styling, and technical propaganda requirements. The proposal of implanting an active spoiler first came to us by observation from some luxurious cars on the road: Panamera, 911, Audi A7, etc. However, it is very difficult for us to find certain SAE papers that can exclusively depict the mechanism behind those active spoilers that are equipped on family vehicles. Therefore, it is our mission to explore it with our own CFD simulations and wind tunnel tests. In this paper, a full model of a new rear-design electronic vehicle was built along with several spoiler designs. Multiple rounds of CFD simulations were run to verify the effect of active spoilers from different positions. By carefully investigating the flow field around the active spoiler and vehicle rear, the Cd fluctuation amongst varieties of spoiler angle and elevation was obtained to facilitate final decision-making in terms of the active spoiler. Finally, a discussion and analysis of the disparity between test results and the numerical ones has been conducted, followed by the final conclusion.