Automotive Technology

Thermodynamically inefficient. It would be better to use hydraulic pumps and an accumulator. If all you are wanting to do is regenerate some of the braking energy you shouldn't need to large of an accumulator.

Anything is better than the gasoline electric vehicles they are trying to foister on us. $7,500 batteries that need replacing every 5 or so years, generative braking mechanisms that wear out and lose efficiency, and the fact that you cannot service it yourself because it is a high voltage/high current drive system! Everyone loves a hybrid until they have to replace the battery! $5-8,000 buys a lot of gas my friends, and I am speaking from experience!

Hi,

I do believe that compressed air vehicles will be seen on the roads in the coming years. They have the same range problems (200 km max) as battery vehicles but can recharge in a matter of a few minutes. Also bi-energy versions can up to triple the range. They are much cheaper than electric or hybrid cars and their simple technology makes them easy and cheap in maintenance. Also the compressed air tank lasts 20 years, so no costly batteries to replace. Also the performance stays unaltered, unlike with batteries.

Have a look at my website http://www.aircars.tk where I update very regularly.

Found two strong contenders in the compressed air vehicles on the internet. Australia has a company called Engineair that builds mining vehicles powered by air. This idea is going to China. A photo clearly shows an air compressor in the background- limitation.

In the US, a Michigan man has patented and built the Ingocar. The range factor is resolved by a micro-ported diesel air compressor engine making 170 + mpg. This website is well worth checking out. Written up in the Mechanics Illustrated in Russia in 2008; the Ingocar is going to be produced in Russia.