| Author | Message | ||
     Electraglider_1997 |
Why didn't I think of that. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZXVH-r684o | ||
| Eulysses |
That is COOL! Steam next? I can see a hollow frame holding compressed air for range (until impact that is!)...attached bike pump in case you get stranded...wow! | ||
| Djohnk |
Use wind energy or solar energy to fill standardized quick-change air cylinders at your house. Put in an infrastructure with refill stations so you just swap the cylinders at low cost for more range. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Range is an issue. As batteries go, it's somewhat simple. But note he is using a scuba tank, not an air compressor cylinder. Refilling a scuba tank today is, what, $30? You aren't doing it with your typical harbor freight compressor, that's for sure. And I bet even with the scuba tank, the range on that is weak. He says "similar to electrics", but most electrics suck also, and some really suck, and "similar" could mean anything. | ||
| Djohnk |
I agree with Eulysses, the air storage needs to be part of the structural frame, or there is too much weight there. A spherical pressure vessel is most efficient shape for storage, but not very useful structurally. Maybe some other lightweight material instead of steel? Their point was they were using common parts that are presently available. Anyway, I think the technology is in its infancy. I just read that the Indian company Tata is developing a air car that has a 60 mile range already. If the technology matures a little (more efficient air motors, lighter air storage with more pressure, regenerative braking, etc.) I bet you could double that range on a motorcycle. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I would think a motorcycle would be worse. A car is heavier than a motorcycle, but you could "reclaim" that with regenerative braking. A motorcycle is probably less aerodynamic (or at least not much better), and there is much less enclosed area where you can put tanks. Range, to a large degree, probably comes down to available volume that can be enclosed. | ||
| Buellhusker |
I would think you could have small air motors in the wheel hubs for 2 wheel drive capability, you know riding in the Nebraska winters through the snow drifts. | ||
| Reepicheep |
That'd be a cool idea. Since you have a "fluid" drive anyway, along with its inherit losses, why not take advantage of it to make it 2wd? Cool! |
