Instead of using large rechargeable batteries, expensive fuel cells or elaborate modifications to the internal combustion engine, the Air Car uses a tank of compressed air. The engine requires few moving parts and results in a light engine that is almost 100% efficient delivering power to the wheels. This compares to about 16% efficiency for the internal combustion engine. The rest of the energy is used to move all of the engine parts (pistons, cams), transmission, accessories or is lost generating excess heat.
The compressed air engine has some environmental advantages:
No battery disposal issues that an electric vehicle would have; The vehicle will remain operational longer than conventional cars and car part disposal should occur less often. This is a result of fewer parts and few moving parts. The light weight implies that the tires will last longer and tires are a major disposal concern.
There are several companies actively developing compressed air engine technologies, too many to mention here. Although the compressed air car solution sounds like a godsend there are some issues with the technology:
Use of air compression to store energy is not particularly efficient. The required air pressure is significantly higher than what is provided at a typical gas station for filling tires. There is no infrastructure in place for high pressure air pumps. Electricity is required to fill the tank and thus the carbon emissions problem is transferred from the vehicle to the electric power plant. It could take up to 4 hours for a refill at home through the electrical grid (although this could often be done during off-hours at night). Using a high pressure air pump the time could be reduced to approximately 3 minutes. The Air Car suffers with low temperature usage. These cars likely won’t likely function in cold weather climates. Safety of driving around with compressed air tanks. (But better compressed air than hydrogen.)
More information on compressed air cars.
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