This vehicle is another version of an old idea. Run a vehicle using compressed air. It uses a number of ingenious techniques to improve the efficiency of the air motor, none of which are particularly new.
This car has an onboard electric motor-generator and air compressor/motor. It is charged up by cnnecting to an electrical source, so of course its energy ultimately comes from whatever means generates the grid electricity.
Some details that have been left out:
All systems that compress air and then expand it for use have considerable energy losses in both the compression and expansion cycles.
I don't know of any successful design of an engine with an articulating connecting rod. The idea sounds good, but it hasn't been made to work. All of the web sites that describe such a device seem to have a request for funds so the idea can be successfully developed. They may have a model, but not a running engine.
The articulated connecting rod is based on a 4-bar linkage. These have been around in useful applications since the steam engine was first invented.
Present air storage technology won't enable a vehicle to hold enough energy for a useful range and power.
Mike T
Mechanical Engineer
2003 Blue
2004 Seaside Blue
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