Long ago, economists predicted a shift from the oil-powered global economy to a cleaner environment-friendly one – that is, as long as clean fuels become more economical than oil.
As oil price soar, their vision is quickly becoming a reality, and the growing hype over alternative energies is the biggest proof: Windmills sprouting like mushrooms, roofs covered with solar captors, biofuels harvested in double digit pace.
The best source of power, however, is ironically the oldest man has ever known: Air.
In 4500 BC, Egyptians realized that wind can be used as energy. They invented the sail, using wind to power their mode of transportation. Wind has since been the a clean, free source of energy, and thanks to technological advancements, this source of power can be stored. French engineer Guy Nègre worked in the aeronautics industry then in the Formula One world where he grew fascinated by the technique used to start race car engines: compressed air is injected into the cylinders to push the pistons down and start the engine.
Guy thought that if this technique could generate motion for a few seconds, a cycle can be developed that can give birth to an engine powered entirely by compressed air. He presented his idea to investors in the early 90s and began the long journey of developing the engine, the car, the industrial process and the business model.
He founded Moteur Development International (MDI) to bring his idea to life.
The early prototypes of the engine were powered by compressed air, limited in power and relatively inefficient. Fifteen years of research later, it is now an engineering masterpiece. In urban traffic, and under 56 km/h, it runs entirely on compressed air, emitting zero pollution. Once you exceed that speed, the car uses gas, diesel or biogas to heat the air before injecting it into the engine. To improve efficiency and range, it consumes about two liters of gas/100km.
Due to the simple concept behind it, this engine requires less maintenance than your average engine: It uses one liter of any oil (even vegetal oil) for lubrication every 50, 000 km, and since it doesn’t heat up, there is no need for a radiator.
The air is stored under a pressure of 310 bars in a special tank made of carbon fiber that doesn’t explode in case of a collision. Since the compressed air is very cold, MDI will offer air conditioning in all cars as an option for a small additional cost. The tank can be filled in less than four minutes using air compressors in any petrol station, or in about five hours if plugged in your electric outlet at home.
MDI designed its vehicles with a “return to the roots philosophy: as light and as technically simple as possible, like old automobiles. Its structure is made out of aluminum tubes, and its body from composite materials. It features an electrical gearbox, minimal comfort equipment to avoid extra weight and safety features such as ABS brakes, airbags and a strong body.
Its range is of 100 km running on pure air and up to 800 km on a combined cycle. Its speed can go up to 110 km/h.
There are plans to design buses that run on air and MDI says their operating expenses will be so low that the revenues from advertising on the sides of the buses will be enough to cover the costs. Ideally, this means governments can offer free public transportation.
Because the engine, and the car as a whole is so simple, the vehicle can be manufactured in small facilities, as opposed to traditional cars which require large factories and elaborate assembly lines.
MDI has been planning to launch the car for eight years, but 2008 is looking good, especially with the partnership it concluded with TATA motors, India’s largest carmaker. The joint venture will put a utility vehicle on the market by end 2008 with a price tag of about $5,000.
Other partnerships are being finalized and according to each market’s trends, there will be a broad offer: a city car costing about ?8000 in France, and another more powerful car to be launched in the US by 2011 with top class equipments and six seats, costing $18, 000.
The future seems promising for this simple, cheap machine; and with partners like TATA, the car will probably be on the road soon. Prepare yourself for the air revolution.
