> > This page <http://www.theaircar.com/ficha.html> states the 
> tank (340 
> > litres & 300 bar) has 52MJ of energy, which it may well do. 
>  So, 52MJ
> 
> > will push 550kg of car (+ driver?) 200km.
> > 
>   Compressed fluids/air has other problems than just 'energy density'
> this is a thermodynamics problem namely.  Although in a very 
> hot climate it would work fairly well.  The problem is 
> temperature.  In order for the expansion engine to work 
> efficiently enough the expanding gas must maintain 
> temperature.  Unless this happens, there will be a frosty 
> issue with the idea.  Expanding gas will drop in temperature 
> and the overall carnot efficiency drops like wise.


They mention temperature as well.  Ok, half of it, they say the waste air
(which would be cold) can be used for air-conditioning.

No mention of how they handle the heat generated when compressing the air
into the tank though.

Tony

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