Automatic shutters that let in wind

Under most driving conditions, radiators don’t need wind coming through the grille to stay cool. The open grille causes aerodynamic drag. To address this source of lower gas mileage, Röchling Automotive devised active grille shutters (AGS). At fast driving speeds, dc brushless motor-based actuators close the vanes. This action reduces drag by about 4%, Röchling says. The grille vanes are open at low speeds and while the vehicle idles. AGS also improves thermal management by significantly shortening the time needed to heat up the powertrain. The shutters use a dc brushless-style actuator (view behind the shutters, bottom) similar to that found on the company’s active air dams and active speed lips.
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