Compressed Air – The Next Alt Fuel?
Friday February 29, 2008
We get excited about zero emissions vehicles. We get giddy about innovative environmental inventions and new transportation options. And we're all ears when one of our readers sends us exciting news of interesting alt fuel developments. But what about when it’s a cleaner car option that’s not even recognized as an alt fuel? Take compressed air. It’s cheap, it’s clean and it seems to be another way to power our needs with zero emissions—affordably. But it also seems that countries other than the United States are going to be leading the way, since this is the official list of alt fuels defined by the U.S. Energy Policy Act of 1992: biodiesel, electricity, ethanol, hydrogen, methanol, natural gas, propane—with others under development—but not compressed air.
Thanks to a reader who recently sent us information about one of the world’s first commercial air-powered vehicles, The Air Car. It was developed by ex-Formula One engineer Guy Nègre for Luxembourg-based MDI, and it uses compressed air to power its engine’s pistons. And if you happen to be in India in August of 2008, you'll get to see it. That’s the time and place where 6000 zero-emissions Air Cars will hit the streets, according to this Popular Mechanics article. The CityCAT costs $12,700, accelerates up to 68 mph and has a range of 125 miles. To refuel, it’s only a matter of minutes at a custom air compressor-equipped station. Cost for a fill-up: $2. That’s for 340 liters of air at 4350 psi. But will the Air Car ever be seen America? Probably not, due to safety issues with its all-glue construction—but it’s reportedly going to be seen in 12 more countries, from Germany to South Africa. And what about compressed air as an alt fuel—it has a history that dates to the late 19th century … why haven’t we heard more/seen more development with it?
Air motor vehicles can most closely be compared to battery electric vehicles in terms of design, ownership and usage--and like any (re)emerging technology, compressed air does have its ...
Advantages:
- Technology is simple and relatively inexpensive
- Long life-cycle of air motor parts-compared to batteries
- Low, to no, self-discharge-compared to batteries
- No emissions from the air motor
- No hazardous chemicals or fuels
- Can be "refueled" at home with onboard compressors
Disadvantages:
- Effective, useful pressure of air varies with temperature
- Range limited by small volume pressure tank
- Size for size, air motors are less efficient than electric motors
- Depending on volume and size: it is less efficient to compress air (overcoming mechanical resistance) than to charge a battery
- Home refueling is slow (several hours long)
Air compressor - photo © Scott Gable
Comments
I hear all of this talk about Guy Negre and well, while he does deserve the accolades for bringing his idea to market, there is another “guy” that has and air engine that seems to me to be more efficient and cost effective. His name is Pietro Di’Angelo. He just needs some backing and his engine would do much better in my opinion.
Bring it on. This will be especially useful in developing countries and release oil supplies to the US where the cars can’t be sold because of safety reasons.
I say there is room for this technology. Lets get Myers Motors NMG car and put a compressed air motor in it. Let me hear it gang!!!
Sounds like we are on our way of replacing the addiction to the gasoline industry in a few years from now!
Air4Zero is now in progress of converting conventional combustion engines to run on compressed air energy gaining more power running at zero cost and zero solution.
Itls about time to fight the uprising oil prices, and stop spending money on gas.
Keep up the good work.
1. It’s great to finally find a group of like-minded folks. 2. I agree with Gregory for the long run, Angelo’s Wankel-like motor is much lighter and more efficient. I can’t believe he doesn’t take over our the golf cart and small electric car industry right now. 3. However, the A4Z is a great opportunity to rapidly get air cars on the road in the US quickly. i’m not sure I would be willing to take the risk of converting my beloved PRIUS using an A4Z system, but I might buy an extra used car with a friend to test the A4Z and get it some visibility. I’m open for any knowledge I can find on it. Keep me on your list. [Great site, guys!]
Why buy a new air car, when you can convert the car you like to run on compressed air technology at zero cost and zero pollution.
I am kira I like this ideal. bow down to me i am kira i am god
I have wondered about putting a scuba tank on a bicycle and using a compressed air motor to spin the wheel. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks, Jim
How about a motorcycle? Less weight,uses a smaller engine.
Instead of using compressed air to propel the vehicle, how about using it to run an electric generator which in turn powers an electric motor to move the vehicle. An electric motor is much more powerful than any air engine so it could be used in a real car instead of the super light weight car that is required for air propulsion. The problem with electric cars is the super heavy batteries. Compressed air tanks powering an electric generator would be much lighter.