Analysis of the Possibility of Using Compressed Air to Drive Vehicles

Abstract

The aim of the research described in this article, is to analyze the possibility of using compressed air to drive vehicles. In pneumatic vehicles, the energy is stored in a tank of compressed air, which is later converted into the movement of the vehicle. This article provides calculations for the amount of energy, which is contained in 1 liter of compressed air, for various values of air pressure. Then, the efficiency of the drive system and the resistances to motion, are calculated for various deviations of the mass of passenger cars. Later, based on previously calculated parameters, the theoretical range of compressed air vehicles is calculated, in relation to the pressure in the pressure tank, its capacity and the weights of the vehicles. In this article, a simulation verification, of analytical calculations is carried out, using an example of a light pneumatic vehicle, designed at the Wroclaw University of Technology.