Car Runs On Air

[Richland123]

Car Runs On Air

http://www.flixxy.com/zero-pollution-automobile.htm

[Tsal]

Yeah, but what does the air compressor run on? Probably on electricity, so the question is, are the air tanks a better solution for energy than batteries on an electric car? You lose some energy in the transformation, but then again, batteries cost much more to manufacture and classify as problem waste. The car looks very practical for a city commuter, though, if it gives 200 miles on few minutes of compressor time.

I love the end of that video: "They have a compressor that runs on compressed air.. so maybe you could put one aboard the car and it would drive the car and regenerate itself at the same time!"

[Chebass88]

Interesting.

First off, it is not "zero emission" overall. At the tailpipe, yes, no emissions are produced, however, energy for compression is required from somewhere. Depending on the technology to generate that power, there are emissions (petroleum or coal burning power plant, for example). Alternative energy technologies such as solar or wind will also have emissions, but coming in in the production of those technologies. It all depends on where you draw the control volume.

I followed along until they began claiming that the compressed air could run a generator, which could in turn compress more air. It is not possible to do this. It is a violation of the laws of thermodynamics. If you doubt it, calculate the energy required to compress a certain mass of air to a given pressure. Then calculate the work than can be achieved through the expansion of that gas and conversion to electrical power, including physical limitations such as frction on the pistons, rotatational friction in the generator, etc. Compare. Factor in energy storage if you want to use that energy later (and the resulting losses with batteries, power conditioning hardware / etc.).

TANSTAAFL. (Or if you aren't a Heinlein fan: "There ain't no such thing as a free lunch")

[DwaynieAD]

perpetual motion device?

[colcifer]

I don't fancy the idea of one of those air tanks failing...

[MakiSupaStar]

This sounds great but it also sounds like an april fools joke.

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Just get a bike pump to keep it going . . . .

[Let It Fall]

OLD idea. just a transfer of location of where the oil will be burnt

not to mention highspeed air tank gets in a wreck..

Just like deflating a baloon it goes up bye bye

[Chebass88]

it isnt any crazier than the HHO scam...

[colcifer]

Originally Posted by Let It Fall

OLD idea. just a transfer of location of where the oil will be burnt

not to mention highspeed air tank gets in a wreck..

Just like deflating a baloon it goes up bye bye

It's a lot of energy to be sitting on top of...

[Shakin-Slim]

I believe anything that produces less emissions than a combustion engine should be welcomed with open arms. I'm definitely no expert. Just the way it seems to me.

[DUC1098]

Why don't they just fill those compressed air tanks with hydrogen and run a normal combustion engine off of them. Water as emissions and a greater range.

[TOOL460002]

im thinking about paintballing, and recalling the various sizes and pressure ratings of compressed air tanks, and how much force they could put out. if this is "real," which my intuition says it isnt, it wont be the answer to the future. i believe making cars lighter is the simplest solution (not to mention the safety benefits).

[pbasswil]

Originally Posted by Shakin-Slim

I believe anything that produces less emissions than a combustion engine should be welcomed with open arms. I'm definitely no expert. Just the way it seems to me.

Just understand that pressurized air is not a _source_ of energy -- it's a way of _storing_ energy. Just like a battery is.

If the electrical-grid-that-drives-the-pump-that-pressurizes-the-car's-tank is, for instance, coal-driven (like in many places in the US), then there are plenty of emissions produced.

Same problem with plug-in electrics: the green-ness depends on the local power grid.

[flipper_gv]

impossible of course.

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Originally Posted by MakiSupaStar

This sounds great but it also sounds like an april fools joke.

My vote would also go for:

APRIL FOOLS


For on-site pollution prevention, "straight" elecricity is way more economic and environment friendly.

For the arguments sake, let's say they can develope 90% efficient compressor and 90% efficient compressed air engine (which they can't). A lot of energy (=money=environment) is wasted for the mere conversion.

Then again, using roughly 1.5 litres of fossile diesel fuel to make 1 liter bio-diesel fuel from controversially grown and collected vegetable oils, is widely considered very environmental .

Regards
Sam

[DwaynieAD]

Originally Posted by T-Bird

Then again, using roughly 1.5 litres of fossile diesel fuel to make 1 liter bio-diesel fuel from controversially grown and collected vegetable oils, is widely considered very environmental .

Regards
Sam

been trying to figure this one out for years now

[jugglingfreak]

Originally Posted by flipper_gv

impossible of course.

What's impossible?

The concept? Not really, the principal is pretty much the same as the "Air Hogs" toys. They run on compress air. Steam engines run on the pressure created by boiling water. Same basic principal.

Now, if you're arguing practicality, that's still a gray area..

[Deluge Of Sound]

Originally Posted by TOOL460002

i believe making cars lighter is the simplest solution (not to mention the safety benefits).

There may be something to this.

At least, it makes sense to me, but it's far from my area of expertise.

[Richland123]

For those who think this is an April Fool's joke; no, it is not.

Popular Mechanics also published stories about this car the last few years.

Air-Powered Car Coming to U.S. in 2009 to 2010 at Sub-$18,000, Could Hit 1000-Mile Range - Popular Mechanics

World's First Air-Powered Car: Zero Emissions by Next Summer - Popular Mechanics

Could a car run on compressed air?

HowStuffWorks "Could a car run on compressed air?"