How Does a Compressed Air Car Actually Work?
How Does a Compressed Air Car Actually Work?
A compressed air vehicle (CAV) is powered by a simple yet clever principle: stored energy in the form of highly pressurized air. The core components are a carbon-fiber tank storing air at around 300 bar (4,350 psi) and a pneumatic engine, which functions similarly to a traditional internal combustion engine but uses expanding air instead of combusting fuel.
To "refuel," the vehicle is connected to a high-pressure air compressor, which refills the tank in a matter of minutes. When driving, the compressed air is released into the engine's cylinders. As the air expands, it pushes the pistons, creating rotational force to turn the wheels. The only exhaust is cold, clean air, which can even be used for air conditioning inside the cabin.
FAQ
Q: What is the main advantage over electric cars?A: The two biggest proposed advantages are the extremely fast refueling time and the absence of heavy, expensive batteries that degrade over time and require rare earth materials.
Q: What is the biggest drawback?A: Energy efficiency. The process of compressing air, storing it, and then expanding it to do work is inherently less efficient than storing electricity directly in a battery and using it in an electric motor.