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Suppose you could conceal all equipment between the construction of the chassis. That would provide an immense freedom for the design of a car (see drawing). Car manufacturer GM did introduce this option once, calling it "the Skateboard–principle". Their idea was based on the use of fuel cells. Trexa, is also comming with something similar on batteries in 2011. But it also can be realised using compressed air technology.
MDI produces a chassis, like this already, in which the air cylinders are located between the two axles. At the front of the car there is room for the main electric motor, and the compressed air generator can be placed in the back. As the battery does not have a primary, but a secondary function, it can be 75 – 80% smaller than the battery of a full electric car. This makes it small enough to be concealed in the chassis as well.
What remains is the installation of a compact converter, which equalises the battery power and the power from the compressed air generator, and a system which can store brake energy . This storing of brake energy can be done electrically, through a super capacitor, or mechanically through a flywheel. In making a choice, the storage capacity of each system as well as the costs can be considered. But ready made products are already on the market for both options. |
Compressed air chassis






