The car that runs on air....

Fiocca · 12 Feb 2008 at 23:49

Sorry if it's a repost.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7240000/newsid_7242000/7242070.stm?bw=bb&mp=wm&asb=1&news=1&ms3=22&ms_javascript=true&bbcws=2

Just saw this vid and wow! An amazing engineering feat.

Seems like it could do with a bit of soundproofing but apart from that it's wicked! This looks like it could have the ability to take off in the consumer market considering the low price!

Zefan · 12 Feb 2008 at 23:52

It runs on compressed air, which needs to be compressed before it can be used. People don't just squash it with their hands to compress it, they use non-renewable energy sources.

Compressed air has been used for power tools and other traditionally petrol/electricity powered items for years and years.

Born_2_Kill_83 · 12 Feb 2008 at 23:53

Makes me wonder what cars will be like when im 50 :eek:

233 · 12 Feb 2008 at 23:55

80 mph lol

Born_2_Kill_83 · 12 Feb 2008 at 23:58

Foxtrot26 said:
80 mph lol

Maybe the limit in years to come?

Overlag · 13 Feb 2008 at 00:07

looks like a good idea... surely aint too powerful though, again, the problem is "filling" stations. or lack of.

really we still need a petrol engine for fast running, but something else for cruise.

Housey · 13 Feb 2008 at 00:15

Zefan said:
It runs on compressed air, which needs to be compressed before it can be used. People don't just squash it with their hands to compress it, they use non-renewable energy sources.

Compressed air has been used for power tools and other traditionally petrol/electricity powered items for years and years.

Yea, but if you're on the moon you can make air to breath by flapping your hands and bingo, you have air. I know this as I just tried it in my office and I defo felt some air!

doofer · 13 Feb 2008 at 01:43

If that's the future then it really will be the days when the Govt. finally find a way to put a Tax on air.

austinpowers · 13 Feb 2008 at 04:55

Filling it up will be easy, just get your air compressor out plug it into the cigarette lighter, jobs a good un

Or just use the airline at most petrol stations

Malt_Vinegar · 13 Feb 2008 at 09:16

Everyone should have a set of pedals under their desk hooked up to a big air bottle, then when they are at work they can compress enough air to drive home and back in again

Kuhan · 13 Feb 2008 at 16:09

insane, but i would rather hear a petrol engine noise anyday over this air machine

chucky · 13 Feb 2008 at 16:23

insane, but i would rather hear a petrol engine noise anyday over this air machine

Really?

Yes maybe if i had a decent car, i.e. 2l+ with a turbo and a supercharger for the weekends.

For the everyday drive if i could drive in silence with the radio, id take that please.

fonzee · 13 Feb 2008 at 17:54

sounds a good idea.

mark66 · 13 Feb 2008 at 18:32

Its got to be worth a try. It was on the news the other day and they quoted fuel costs of 1 Euro per tank which would do around 200 miles

BigglesPiP · 13 Feb 2008 at 20:18

two more steps between fossil fuel and motion = FAIL!

Ben M · 13 Feb 2008 at 20:21

My car runs on air

(and petrol)

Over Clocker · 13 Feb 2008 at 21:23

How much energy does it take to compress air though?

Ben M · 13 Feb 2008 at 21:56

Over Clocker said:
How much energy does it take to compress air though?

You'll get less energy out than you put in, due to inefficiency.

But I can imagine that it is probably more efficient overall then the IC engine. Like electrics cars are, because power stations are so efficient. If it isn't more efficient, then it's a waste of time, which may well be the case.

BigglesPiP · 14 Feb 2008 at 02:38

Ben M said:
But I can imagine that it is probably more efficient overall then the IC engine.

It's worse than infernal combustion actually:

IC: Chemical energy -combustion-> Heat energy (pressure) -expansion-> kinetic energy.

Compressed gas: Chemical energy -combustion-> Heat energy (pressure) -expansion-> kinetic energy -compression-> Heat energy (pressure) -expansion-> kinetic energy.

From fossil fuel to motion, internal combustion is more efficient. Similar to how a kettle on a gas hob is more efficient than an eclectic kettle.

Craig321 · 14 Feb 2008 at 02:45

Zefan said:
It runs on compressed air, which needs to be compressed before it can be used. People don't just squash it with their hands to compress it, they use non-renewable energy sources.

Compressed air has been used for power tools and other traditionally petrol/electricity powered items for years and years.

lol yep, it's just like when people think they're being so good to the world if they get an electric car. :rolleyes: