Sumitomo Rubber is developing a new technique, referred to as the Tire Aerodynamic Simulation, which will be used to reduce the electricity consumption of electric vehicles (EVs).
To minimize air and tire rolling resistance, Sumitomo is creating a tire shape that optimizes aerodynamic performance by using AI simulations to visualize the airflow around the tire of a running vehicle. The company aims to develop a tire to be launched in 2027 that further contributes to lowering the electricity consumption of an EV in its next-generation tire.
EVs lose less energy from heat compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, resulting in air resistance accounting for a larger portion of total energy loss in EVs. In ICEs, air that passes around the tires flows out to the underside of the vehicle accounts for 20-25% of total energy loss.
In EVs, which generate minimal heat loss, around 34 to 37% of energy loss is caused by the tires. The Tire Aerodynamic Simulation accounts for the effect of tire deflection due to vehicle weight.
In addition, Sumitomo has newly developed a technique that changes the shapes of the lettering and fine texture on the sidewall as the tires are rotating. While it’s important to smooth the sidewall to reduce air resistance in EVs, this simulation technique will enable the development of a tire that achieves both design and aerodynamic performance at higher levels.
In comparison to the results of a wind tunnel experiment, where an actual vehicle was used to confirm the accuracy of the simulation, the EV tire exhibited decreased airflow behind the tire and less sidewall unevenness. As a result, the EV tire demonstrated lower air resistance values than the standard tire, confirming the potential of this simulation technique.
Furthermore, the AI technology used in the simulation suggests that the sidewall plays a crucial role in air resistance reduction when the air resistance is high, offering additional evidence of the effectiveness of the technology. Adopting this technique yields improved tire performance with maximized aerodynamic characteristics, leading to reduced aerodynamic drag and electricity consumption for an EV.
In March 2023, Sumitomo recently unveiled TOWANOWA, its unique Circular Economy Concept for the Tire Industry. TOWANOWA features a two-ring structure with a Sustainable Ring consisting of five processes in the value chain, and a Data Ring linking big data collected from each process. Sumitomo aims to provide new value by sharing and using data between the two rings.
Through TOWANOWA, Sumitomo Rubber will further accelerate efforts to promote and practice ESG Management, contributing to the achievement of carbon neutrality by 2050 and the development of a sustainable society.
Filed Under: Technology News