Petrol-Air hybrid

[Dieselman]

This seems a simple solution for range extending and cutting emissions.

Peugeot Citroen shows new petrol-air hybrid tech | Auto Express

 

[st4]

What sort of pressure would the air need to be stored under to achieve this?

 

[Dieselman]

Probably about 300 Bar.

 

[grober]

The article is not entirely clear. The system appears to have 4 main components a petrol engine, a hydraulic pump, a HIGH pressure cylinder and a low pressure cylinder. It would appear that the low pressure cylinder is the one involved in the regenerative bit but the main fore and aft high pressure cylinder would be filled offline like charging a battery. Compressing air to high pressure produces significant heat- try holding on to the end of a bicycle pump while pumping up a bike tyre as a good example and this waste heat is energy lost. In terms of safety the prospect of dealing with a burning vehicle on fire from ignited petrol containing 2 rigidly mounted cylinders under high pressure [ you know the type they always hose down or remove from burning buildings ]will pose a considerable explosion hazard. Its an interesting idea but the storage of energy in mechanical form such as pressure or a flywheel spinning at high speed poses considerable risks in the event of sudden uncontrolled release and may preclude its use in areas of dense population. [YOUTUBE]rjqFihLltSY[/YOUTUBE]

 

[Dieselman]

Air isn't flamable in it's own right, unlike LPG/LNG or CNG, which are all used in vehicles.

As far as heat when compressing the air goes, what does it matter there is plenty of air and metal to absorb it and brakes and engines produce a lot more heat.

 

[grober]

I would like to hear some pressure figures and energy inputs before I pass judgement.

 

[grober]

OK done a little more research and found this.

HowStuffWorks "How the Air Car Works"
It would appear MDI were the main players in this area until now anyway.

Air compressed Technology, MDI Enterprises S.A. air compressed cars - sustainable and environmentally friendly cars.

 

[dinoy]

small company in france where making cars working on air, maybe they took over the technology, but wait n c as they claim production will be their for 2016 and they are license technology to other makers in a share deal!!

 

[Bellow]

Tata were involved in this technology some years ago - with a piston engine being air driven but employing different from normal crank/rod/piston geometry.

Anyone else notice the vid showcasing the Peugeot 208 tech runs for 2.08?