Posted on 11/06/2012 1:29:52 PM PST by Red Badger
Exactly.
Liquid, chemical energy storage is still unbeaten for efficiency.
A compressed CO2 cartridge has much better performance than compressed air, but then it completely fails the CO2 emissions test.
Really? I will use the leprechauns in my pocket to blow into the tank.
Two-stroke motors are being phased out, even for lawnmowers and leaf blowers; the only street bikes still make with 2-stroke motors are 50cc scooters and even a lot of those are 4-stroke now.
“It heats up as it gets compressed into the tank and that heat must be removed. That heat gets wasted. It’s a significant amount of energy.”
You’re right about that. In post #58, I mentioned that the expanding gas can be used to cool a vehicle — which would save the energy otherwise used by an air conditioner. That makes the concept a lot more practical in hot climates than in cold ones. The Tata AirPod prototype can use the expanding air for interior cooling.
The heat released during compression could be used to heat water. A commercial compressor station attached to a e.g. a hotel or restaurant could save on their water-heating costs.
I’m not trying to “sell” this concept — but, I do enjoy design challenges.
That’s what would happen if the scuba tank ruptured........
Finally someone made an environmentally friendly gizme that looks cool. Im not concerned about the environmental aspect but usually these things would make you look like a dork on one. Of course if Dyson decides to make it it would cost the same as a Harley flathead.
The heat is not caused by compression. What happens is that all of the heat energy in a large volume of air becomes concentrated, causing the temperature to increase. That being said, any process of energy storage and/or conversion results in losses, so the real test is would be a cost vs. performance comparision against other technologies. Compressed air won’t store nearly as much energy as the same volume of energy as gasoline but I would expect in to have a much higher energy density than the best available batteries and the charge time would be reduced by at least an order of magnitude.
Not perpetual motion, but regenerative braking. A compressor linked to the wheels would capture the energy and use it to accelerate, which could substantially reduce fuel consumption.
“Well, look at it this way, if the tank ruptures, the bike and rider will be thrown clear of the accident so the EMTs won’t have to scrape your guts off the bumper............”
Rocket Man...
“Depends on the size, generally around $12.”
Hmm lets do some math...
Assuming I can fit my big butt on that tiny bike its $12 for 60 miles. My Honda Civic reliably runs 300 miles in town for $34 worth of gas. So...
Just me with no possibility of passengers or cargo and heaven help if it rains I can pay $70 to ride that tiny ass bike or $34 and drive my Civic.
Hmmmm decision decisions...
The heat is not caused by compression. What happens is that all of the heat energy in a large volume of air becomes concentrated, causing the temperature to increase. That being said, any process of energy storage and/or conversion results in losses, so the real test is would be a cost vs. performance comparision against other technologies. Compressed air won’t store nearly as much energy as the same volume of energy as gasoline but I would expect in to have a much higher energy density than the best available batteries and the charge time would be reduced by at least an order of magnitude.
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Correct if you have a frictionless compressor.
I understand why the apparent heating due to compression happens.
Almost everyone understands that air gets hot when it’s compressed.
Also as another poster pointed out, the engine will need a source of heat to maintain it near ambient temperature. Internal friction would hopefully not be adequate to do so!
Good talking.
60 miles range, 3200 psi
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