Felix Creutzig et al 2009 Environ. Res. Lett. 4 044011 doi:10.1088/1748-9326/4/4/044011
Felix Creutzig1,2, Andrew Papson3, Lee Schipper4,5 and Daniel M Kammen1,2,6
Show affiliationsClimate change and energy security require a reduction in travel demand, a modal shift, and technological innovation in the transport sector. Through a series of press releases and demonstrations, a car using energy stored in compressed air produced by a compressor has been suggested as an environmentally friendly vehicle of the future. We analyze the thermodynamic efficiency of a compressed-air car powered by a pneumatic engine and consider the merits of compressed air versus chemical storage of potential energy. Even under highly optimistic assumptions the compressed-air car is significantly less efficient than a battery electric vehicle and produces more greenhouse gas emissions than a conventional gas-powered car with a coal intensive power mix. However, a pneumatic–combustion hybrid is technologically feasible, inexpensive and could eventually compete with hybrid electric vehicles.
89.60.-k Environmental studies
Issue 4 (October-December 2009)
Received 29 June 2009, accepted for publication 3 November 2009
Published 17 November 2009
Felix Creutzig et al 2009 Environ. Res. Lett. 4 044011
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