Compressed Air Vehicles Could Be the Future of Transportation

Imagine a world where your car is powered not by gasoline, electric batteries, or even hydrogen but by something as simple and abundant as air.

Researchers at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology are revisiting the idea.

In a groundbreaking project led by Reza Alizade Evrin and Ibrahim Dincer, a prototype vehicle operating on compressed air has emerged, challenging our perceptions of energy efficiency and sustainability in transportation.

The Compressed Air Vehicle

In March 2020, a team from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, led by Dr. Reza Alizade Evrin and Professor Ibrahim Dincer, embarked on a pioneering project. They constructed a novel compressed air vehicle prototype (ref), utilizing readily available market components.

This vehicle, a potential game-changer in urban transportation, demonstrated an impressive energy efficiency of nearly 60%. It achieved this by integrating phase change materials for heat recovery, specifically paraffin, which showed the best results.

The prototype’s driving range extended to 140 kilometers, marking a significant step forward in developing carbon-free transportation alternatives.

Historical Journey of Compressed Air Technology

The concept of using compressed air for transportation, pioneered by Polish engineer Louis Mekarski in the 1870s, was a significant innovation of its time. Mekarski’s system (ref), known for powering trams, was an alternative to horse-drawn and steam-powered options.

A notable challenge he addressed was the cooling and ice formation in power cylinders caused by expanding air. Mekarski ingeniously solved this by creating a boiler named a bouillotte to heat the expanding air with steam, preventing it from turning into ice.

This system was particularly advantageous in congested urban streets and tunnels. Unlike steam engines, it produced no smoke or flames and did not disturb horses or fill carriages with soot and sparks. First tested in Paris in 1876, the Mekarski system was later introduced to the tramways of Nantes in 1879 and subsequently used in England and the United States.

Despite these innovations, early compressed air systems could not match the practicality and efficiency of internal combustion engines, especially in industries like mining and tunnel construction.

The Challenge of Efficiency & Sustainability

Conventional compressed air storage, a diabatic thermal process, faces significant energy losses. When air is compressed, it heats up, and this heat is often discarded, reducing efficiency.

The University of Ontario team tackled this issue by exploring near-isothermal compressed air storage (ref), where heat energy is conserved and reused, enhancing efficiency. They experimented with phase change materials like polyethylene glycol, paraffin, and an alkane mix, with paraffin showing promising results in heat recovery.

Prototype

The team’s prototype represents a significant step in vehicle-based compressed air storage. It features a simple onboard piston-based electric air compressor, routing compressed air through a paraffin-encased heat exchanger into a storage tank.

As the air expands to power the vehicle, it retrieves heat from the paraffin, maintaining efficiency. Additionally, the prototype includes a secondary energy storage system, capturing energy from the environment and solar cells, enhancing its range and torque characteristics.

Challenges & Potential

Despite the prototype’s success, compressed air vehicles face power consistency and storage pressure hurdles. However, innovations like the Di Pietro motor from the Australian company EngineAir offer solutions with their unique design, providing consistent torque and power output.

The commercialization of compressed air vehicles, though still uncertain, holds promise. Companies like Zero Pollution Motors have explored this technology, yet safety, practicality, and government support challenges have slowed progress.

A Breath of Fresh Air In Vehicle Technology

The journey of compressed air vehicles, from a 19th-century concept to a potential 21st-century solution, illustrates the enduring quest for sustainable and efficient transportation.

As we navigate the challenges of energy storage and environmental impact, revisiting and refining old ideas like compressed air technology could pave the way for a more sustainable future.

With continued research and innovation, the dream of a vehicle powered by the air we breathe might become a reality.

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