Dragfordonet

Dragfordonet is a term found mainly in speculative discussions and niche engineering proposals referring to a class of vehicles or devices that exploit fluid drag as a functional element of propulsion or energy management. The name derives from Swedish roots drag (drag) and fordonet (the vehicle), echoing the concept of drag-based technology, though usage is not standardized in mainstream engineering literature.

Concepts vary, but the central idea is to use adjustable drag surfaces, flow-control devices, and energy conversion systems to harvest energy from the surrounding fluid or to convert drag into thrust under controlled conditions.

It may employ variable-geometry skins, flaps, or fins to modulate drag; onboard turbines or generators convert mechanical energy from drag into electricity; energy storage such as batteries or capacitors can buffer harvested energy; guidance systems maintain stability.

Applications and status: In fiction, dragfordonet serves as a speculative transport or energy device; in theoretical discussions it is studied as a thought experiment to examine drag-based energy exchange. There are no widely accepted prototypes; challenges include low energy density of drag, control complexity, and efficiency losses.

Related concepts include drag propulsion, energy harvesting from fluids, wind-assisted propulsion, and sail-powered vehicles.