A car of the future?

[Karen G]

Here's an interesting vehicle that runs on compressed air.

 

[ampaholic]

Here's an interesting vehicle that runs on compressed air.

The vehicle itself is a six-seat mini van using two 340-litre carbon fibre gas tanks which are filled with air to 4350psi.

In other words: "the vehicle has two 90 gallon BOMBS attached waiting for a crash to trigger them"

 

[Karen G]

In other words: "the vehicle has two 90 gallon BOMBS attached waiting for a crash to trigger them"

What are the bombs fueled by if they are filled with air? I obviously don't know how the cars work or how compressed air explodes.

 

[Sea Six]

Did you see how the shark got killed at the end of Jaws?

 

[Karen G]

Did you see how the shark got killed at the end of Jaws?

I don't remember that far back! But, I'm going to take a wild guess and ask: Did it have anything to do with compressed air?

 

[Passepartout]

Tata hasn't produced a vehicle yet that passes US emission or crash worthiness standards. This is an interesting concept, worthy of testing in India where they are based. There is a need there for small, light, inexpensive, and cheap to operate vehicles to allow their billion people to emerge from poverty without it being yet another market for fossil fuels. So far 2 stroke tuk-tuks are the backbone of transport and that isn't sustainable.

As Rick said, those tanks pressurized to 4350 psi will go bang pretty strongly if compromised. Even air under that much pressure can/will do a lot of damage if released quickly. Karen, have you ever seen the damage a big truck tire can do when it blows out? And that's with only about 100 psi.

Jim

 

[Karen G]

Karen, have you ever seen the damage a big truck tire can do when it blows out? And that's with only about 100 psi.

Jim

Jim, I guess I've lived a pretty sheltered life--I don't think I've seen that situation, but I'll take your word for it. Compessed air explosions must be bad things.

 

[Ridewithme38]

You guys know, gasoline is pretty dangerous too, right?

 

[ampaholic]

You guys know, gasoline is pretty dangerous too, right?

Yes, and many have been killed by it.

As have many been killed by air pressure (in tires) - in fact they used to build special safety cages for use while filling "split rims".

link

Enough gas to move this car 125 miles (about 3 gallons?) would be a lot safer to carry than the 2 - 90 gallon tanks with 4350 PSI in them - in the event of a crash.

JMHO

YMMV

 

[Sea Six]

I don't remember that far back! But, I'm going to take a wild guess and ask: Did it have anything to do with compressed air?

That far back?! The movie is on every summer! You remember what happened when Brody's bullet hit the (compressed) air bottle