Can I do better

by biggie360@hotmail.com
(anchorage alaska)

the entire automotive industry has already done better. Compressed air is a stupid choice for automotive fuel. You would need to (somehow) compress it to about 800,000PSI in order to maintain the same energy/volume ratio as gasoline.

Also, the simple act of compressing air is about 20% efficient AT BEST, and that energy has to come from somewhere. After the 80% energy loss of compressing the air, we would see another loss as the compressed air is decompressed to power the car.

I have seen these engines run effectively while usefully producing about 40% of the potential power stored in the compressed air tanks.

Seriously? You expect a car built out of pure STUPID to save the world?

Barry's Response - It's possible these are the reasons why compressed air cars haven't taken off. In my opinion, these statements pose serious practical problems for making these cars a viable (and reliable) mode of transportation.

That doesn't mean we should abandon all research. There's still a long way to go. Is there anything I can do better? Can we get better vehicle efficiency and reduced air quality impacts? We shall find out. Thanks for your provoking argument here, Biggie.

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I appreciate the thoughtful insights you have provided on the topic of compressed air as an automotive fuel.

It's crucial to evaluate new technologies and their potential impacts. As the automotive industry advances alternative fuel options, it's clear that compressed air needs to overcome complex challenges in order to become a widespread solution.

Often, innovation involves balancing potential benefits and practical limitations. While compressed air has some advantages, like being cleaner and emitted fewer pollutants, your concerns about energy efficiency and the energy losses associated with compression and decompression are valid ones.

We can refine and improve these technologies through open discussion and constructive criticism. For our energy and transportation needs, it's important to keep questioning, analyzing, and refining our approaches to ensure we're making informed decisions that benefit our environment, economy, and society.

The novelty factor alone makes it a great buy.