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Article Comments - 2010 MDI AIRPod First Drive

12 messages,  Last post on Aug 27, 2009 at 5:37 AM

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2010 MDI AIRPod First Drive - First Impressions: Maybe it'll save the world. Or maybe not. We'll see.(more)

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#5 of 12 Air is rarely cheap or clean... by adw_squared Jul 06, 2009 (1:32 pm)
It takes a lot of energy to compress air (in many manufacturing facilities, the most expensive thing they do is make compressed air), and unless that energy comes from a "clean" source, you haven't really done much in the way of saving the planet. Yes, central power generation is pretty darn efficient, but compressing air is not - you loose all of the efficiency and then some, especially with smaller systems.   So yes, MDI makes an interesting gadget, but until compressed air is clean and cheap, it will not be the most economical or environmentally sound option out there.
#6 of 12 Get real, it's not a car! by nosmog Jul 07, 2009 (12:56 pm)
Another 3-wheeler "spun" as some replacement for the car. When will respectable media outlets and journalists stop calling these 30 mph non-credible-boxes on a few wheels cars? (They are motorcycles if wheels are less than 4... and not required to comply with NHTSA crash tests or passenger safety/certification laws) To insinuate infrastructure costs less than a hydrogen one is ignorance of the 1st degree.. akin to saying it will also cost less to make stations for golf carts. Come on, comparisons are SO far fetched. Lets see.. the poster child for a hydrogen fuel cell car is Honda Clarity, a full function sedan, A/C, 5-Star safety rated, 5 passenger, large trunk, 100+MPH, freeway capable, 250 mile range, ">link titleand on, and on.. you get the point. Replies to this message: dc325ix (Aug 04, 2009 4:18 am) bbechtel16 (Aug 04, 2009 7:30 am)
#7 of 12 Re: Article Comments - 2010 MDI AIRPod First Drive [KarenS] by taffetawhite Jul 07, 2009 (8:02 pm)
Replying to: KarenS (Jun 30, 2009 6:06 am) Just a reminder...that's a right-handed car! Grrr. I am a left-handed person.
#8 of 12 Curious whather you asked this... by ferrisfan Jul 08, 2009 (11:47 am)
The article comments that there is no a/c, but the "exhaust" of compressed air should be cold air. Is there something else in the exhaust that prevents them from venting it into the cabin?
#9 of 12 Re: Seriouly?? [krazazn] by dc325ix Aug 04, 2009 (4:13 am)
Replying to: krazazn (Jul 02, 2009 11:13 pm) They already have three 4 wheel options - if you go to their website it discus's each vehicle, I understand it isnt a BMW - but in time this will be a viable solution - plus they did a great show on them on the future cars special on the history channel.
#10 of 12 Re: Get real, it's not a car! [nosmog] by dc325ix Aug 04, 2009 (4:18 am)
Replying to: nosmog (Jul 07, 2009 12:56 pm) if you go to their website it discus's each vehicle, I understand it isnt a BMW - but in time this will be a viable solution - plus they did a great show on them on the future cars special on the history channel. Also and a big AWESOME as they have in test a generator inside one of the cars that generates compressed air and as the cars runs the "exhaust" is cycled back thru to generate power for the compressor thus creating a self sustaining solution that never needs to be recharged - NOW THATS AWESOME - forget about EV's, Hydrogen etc - as this will blow them out of the water. Replies to this message: bbechtel16 (Aug 04, 2009 7:30 am)
#11 of 12 Re: Get real, it's not a car! [dc325ix] by bbechtel16 Aug 04, 2009 (7:30 am)
Replying to: dc325ix (Aug 04, 2009 4:18 am) I only have a high school education in physics, and I didn't pay much attention, but I can assure you generating more compressed air from the exhaust of a compressed air powered engine, at a forever self sustaining rate, is impossible.
#12 of 12 Fail on multiple levels. by thom_payne Aug 27, 2009 (5:37 am)
But the most important one: “Air compressors are one of the least efficient machines to convert electricity to work” -- Harold Kung, professor of chemical and biological engineering at Northwestern University.   DONE. This is a stupid idea. You're better off using the electricity required to compress the air to actually run the car.

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