Engine runs on liquid air. Interesting.

[Polo]

Just got my daily Gizmag email. This looked interesting to say the least.

 

If it becomes commercially feasible...

[Glenn Reed]

Yes, it is zero emissions at the engine location, but there will be energy consumed in the original air cooling process, and that has to come from somewhere (power plant of some sort) and that would have emissions associated with it, unless it's wind or solar.

 

I'm also wondering what the "heat exchange fluid" is that is injected at the same time as the liquid air, and then recovered downstream?

 

It reminds me a little of my Father-in-law's Sterling Cycle hot air engines in principle.

[ESokoloff]

Yes, it is zero emissions at the engine location, but there will be energy consumed in the original air cooling process, and that has to come from somewhere (power plant of some sort) and that would have emissions associated with it, unless it's wind or solar.

 

That's the beauty of it.

This technology can put renewable energy on the road and reduce the need for oil.

[Polo]

That portion about the heat exchange fluid went by a bit fast for me. I drew the conclusion that any fluid would trigger the evaporation or boiling, so I assume, as it is probably intended, that it could be a very innocent fluid such as hot water for the purpose.

 

I agree that the liquifying process will require other source of energy, but I would like to think that this process can be more efficient than an internal combustion engine.

[Polo]

Yes, it is zero emissions at the engine location, but there will be energy consumed in the original air cooling process, and that has to come from somewhere (power plant of some sort) and that would have emissions associated with it, unless it's wind or solar.

 

That's the beauty of it.

This technology can put renewable energy on the road and reduce the need for oil.

 

Maybe I should've brought this up in the "I'm Moshe Levy" thread?

[ESokoloff]

Don't know.

What I do know is I'm NOT Moshe Levy but I am very interest in renewable energy & it's potential.

[ragtoplvr]

Air compression is not efficient, far less than batteries. Liquid is even less efficient.

 

Ultra high pressure compressors are rare, and expensive.

 

it is simple and in summer you have free ac, but that is about all.

 

Boondoggle to get investors money and government money.

 

Rod

 

 

 

 

[Polo]

Air compression is not efficient, far less than batteries. Liquid is even less efficient.

 

Ultra high pressure compressors are rare, and expensive.

 

it is simple and in summer you have free ac, but that is about all.

 

Boondoggle to get investors money and government money.

 

Rod

 

I had those same thoughts a I read. However I would like more for this to be true, than for me to be right.

 

It's an interesting concept, whether it can be achieved within a practical framework remains to be seen. As it is the case with so many other interesting concepts, no doubt.