Compressed Air Technology

Compressed air in a vehicle is used as an energy vector. This method of storing energy as compressed air is not only efficient and clean, but is also very economical. Use of compressed air in cars is not a recent technology.

Compressed air is an alternative fuel that car engines can use. Engines or motors run by compressed air has certain advantages and disadvantages. Compressed air offers many advantages compared to electrical motors or other combustible engines. Principal advantages are that with the help of an air compressor, refueling is possible at home or a service station. Large centralized units produce the energy that compresses air, therefore, it is less costly.

The reduced weight of the vehicle makes it more efficient. Also, mechanically and by design, these contemporary cars are different from the traditional cars, as many conventional features and parts are omitted from the engine and structure. Since these cars do not have the requirement of the cooling system, starter motor, axles, transmission, mufflers, or spark plugs, the cost of production of the vehicle is considerably reduced. The initial cost of mass production is low compared to battery run electric vehicles. It is completely pollution free. Air is available in abundance, it is transportable, and can be stored easily. It is non-flammable too. Maintenance cost is considerably low.

Considering the disadvantages, one can say it is indirect use of energy, like the conversion of electrical energy into compressed air. Refueling of compressed air container at home using low-end air compressor can take even 4 hours, whereas Service stations have specialized equipments which may take just few minutes. The storage capacity of the tank is limited. If a collision occurs with a heavy vehicle, obviously, the heavy vehicle will suffer fewer and less serious damage than the lighter vehicle. Also the people in the lighter vehicle will suffer greater injury than the heavy vehicle. Expanded air in the engine cools drastically, and hence needs to be heated using a heat exchanger, in internal combustion engine. This heat exchanger is difficult. The user may face problems in winter months.

Many companies all over the world are investing for the research and development, as well as the deployment of compressed air car technology. Currently, 4 models of compressed air car has been completed, but is yet to come into the market. How does the compressed air car work is an interesting but complex process. In a fibre tanks, 90m3 of compressed air is stored. Expansion of the air pushes the pistons to creates movement. Atmospheric temperature re-heats the engine and increase road coverage.

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