(for those who missed it in the original article)

It's definitely an interesting technology. Like hydrogen, it's only an energy transfer tool, not an energy production tool. But within that it's interesting - and compressed air is lighter than the batteries in an electric vehicle.

However if the electricity is being generated by a clean source, this is a good solution.

How much will storage tanks weigh that will hold a pressure of 4350 psi? How much heat (wasted energy) is generated in a 4350 psi compression and where will you find all those compressors capable of attaining that pressure? Not in any old garage or handymans basement. Must be uncomfortable to hold your tongue in your cheek so long....lol mel

Some sort of heavy duty screw compressor with a generous reduction chamber...

About a 45:1 ratio - it could be done.

It could be done could it? And the heavy duty fittings and hoses to handle the pressure? And is that all included in the cost of the vehicle? So if you were to buy said vehicle you would also need all that other expensive high pressure equipment that does not now exist. And make sure wherever you go someone will be able to recharge your tank. Did you notice the big grin on the face of the guy in the video? How about testing and licencing those extremely high pressures?

Have fun!!

mel

The high pressure equipment already exists. It is used for power storage by wind turbines and a few power plants in Germany and here in the US.

I anticipate that they would regulate the pressure down right out of the tank, like oxygen or nitrogen tanks. We have several nitrogen tanks that we use to blanket moisture sensitive drums. They come at about 2500 psi, I believe.

I'd have to know more about the air car. I understand your questions Melvin, and we don't know all the specs yet. It's Interesting.


oG

If one compressed air enough it becomes liquid and air is 70% nitrogen so that gives us an idea of what is going on. There is also an Australian car company working on a rotary air motor but it is not as advanced as MDI's.

Yes I have used many "bottles" of oxygen and acetelene etc. and I know what those containers weigh. A few cubic feet of gas at around 2500 psi comes in a very strong container which is relatively very heavy. If there are new materials which are really strong enough and light enough to make the air car practical why are we not using them in the bottled gas industry and saving millions in freight costs?

mel

The tank is made out of carbonate and is made to split during an accident thus allowing the air to escape safely. I haven't read how fragile the tanks are but I would imagine the steel tanks compressed gas is stored in is not nearly as fragile.