PNEUMATIC HYBRID VEHICLE

1. INTRODUCTION

About a century ago, major source of energy was fossil fuels (hydrocarbons).
Technology led a greater use of these fuels, making civilization vulnerable. Society at present
totally relies to great extent on different means of transportation. The study made during year
2004, predicts that if oil is consumed at current rates, then by2020, 80% of the entire non-
renewable resource will be consumed. In recent years the awareness of the effect of pollution
on nature has increased. Exhaust emissions are getting more and more stringent and there
now, exists a discussion about the introduction of a mandatory emissions standard for CO2, a
green house gas that contributes to the climate change which is major issue of global
warming. Today there exist various solutions to achieve emissions and better fuel economy.
Some examples of such solutions are VVA (Variable Valve Actuation), EGR (Exhaust Gas
Recirculation), direct injection, hybridization of vehicles, just to mention a few. In our project
work, more emphasis has been put on vehicle-hybridization, which can be done in various
ways. Along-with pneumatics, electric hybridization is used, in-order to reduce the fuel
consumption by taking advantage of the otherwise lost brake energy. This introduces extra
manufacturing costs which are compensated by a higher end-product price comparable to the
price of high end vehicles. However, it should be remembered that high cost will decrease as
the sales volume of hybrid vehicles increase. One way of keeping the cost as low as possible
and thereby, increase customer attractiveness is, introduction of Pneumatic hybrid.

1.1. Design and Development of Pneumatic Hybrid Vehicle (PHV)

P.K. TECHNICAL CAMPUS 1

 PNEUMATIC HYBRID VEHICLE

2. LITERATURE SURVEY

N.A. Todkar et. al.: the technology of compressed air vehicles is not new. In fact, it has been
around for years. Compressed air technology allows engines/ motors that are both non
polluting and economical. We designed 3 wheeled vehicle in order to reduce weight. Unlike
conventional transmission systems which include clutch, counter shaft, fly wheel, propeller
shaft, differential, the pneumatic motor has been connected and coupled to the rear wheel
with the use of an intermediate gear box reducing transmission losses and weight of the
vehicle. It also occupies lesser space compared to a four wheeler. But in-depth research is
required to completely prove this technology for its commercial as well as technical viability.

Franco Antony et. al.: For working of an air engine two stroke engine technologies is
needed. But the market is now dominated with four stroke engines. So in our project we took
a four stroke petrol engine and with some modifications made it into a two stroke air engine.
The engine camshaft rotates once for every two rotations of flywheel. For a two stroke it
needs one rotation of camshaft for a rotation of the flywheel and for that there must be
opening of both inlet and exhaust valves.
Alteration of the cam profile with double cam means, for one rotation of camshaft the both
valves will open twice. This is done because in a four stroke engine, for two flywheel rotation
the camshaft rotates once. So we modify cam profile so that two lift is possible for both inlet
and the exhaust sides. Thus for first quarter of a rotation of the camshaft we get power stroke,
next quarter exhaust, third quarter again power stroke and fourth again exhaust. This design is
adopted by here since there will be no further modifications required in timing gears and
cylinder head is needed to accommodate the design. Thus only work to be done is reduced to
cam profile.

S. S. Verma S.L.I.E.T., Longowal et: introduce to the latest developments of a compressed-

air vehicle along with an introduction to various problems associated with the technology and
their solution. Compressed air as a source of energy in different uses in general and as a non
polluting fuel in compressed air vehicles has attracted scientists and engineers for centuries.

Dr. S.S. Thipse et.al: describes the development of compressed air engine. MDI is one
company that holds the international patents for the compressed air engine. . Although it
seems to be an environmentally-friendly solution, one must consider its well to wheel
efficiency.

B. R. Singh et.al: studied about alternative fuel for automobile engines with a special
emphasis on compressed air driven engine. In view of the enormous potential of air as
working fluid an engine is being designed to run on compressed air

P.K. TECHNICAL CAMPUS 2

 PNEUMATIC HYBRID VEHICLE

Saurabh Pathak, Kontham Swetha et.al: states the effective application of pneumatic
power. Pneumatic vehicle will replace the battery operated vehicles used in industries.
Pneumatic powered vehicle requires very less time for refueling as compared to battery
operated vehicle. On the whole, the technology is just about modifying the engine of any
regular IC engine vehicle into an Air Powered Engine.

S.S. Verma et.al.: briefly summarize the principle of technology, latest developments,
advantages and problems in using compressed air as a source of energy to run vehicles.
Compressed air for vehicle propulsion has already being explored and nowadays air powered
vehicles are mostly being developed as a more fuelefficient means of transportation.

D.Ravi et.al.: analyzed the Climate change and energy security requires a small reduction in
travel demand, model shift and technological innovations in the transport sector. . Through a
series of press releases and demonstrations, a car using energy stored in the form of
compressed air produced by its compressor has been marked as an environmental friendly
vehicle of the future.

P.K. TECHNICAL CAMPUS 3

 PNEUMATIC HYBRID VEHICLE

3. OBJECTIVE
The main objective of this project is to reduce the dependency on fossil-fuels, also they
produce pollutants such as CO2, CO, NOx, SOx which are harmful to human beings and
produce effects such as cancer, headache, etc. Here, development of pneumatic vehicle using
compressed air is main objective and to study its different modes of operation.
The objective was to more thoroughly investigate the different parameters affecting
performance characters of pneumatic hybrid engine and to reduce fuel consumption for a
pneumatic hybrid vehicle.

4. VEHICLE SET UP

4.1 Vehicle set up

P.K. TECHNICAL CAMPUS 4

 PNEUMATIC HYBRID VEHICLE

5. COMPONANTS AND MATERIAL

5.1 Piston-Cylinder: A piston can be termed as a component of reciprocating engines and
pumps, gas compressors and pneumatic cylinders, among other similar mechanisms. The
main function is that the force is transferred from the crankshaft to the piston resulting of
compression or ejection of the fluid in the cylinder.

5.2 Pressure regulator: A pressure regulator is a valve that automatically cuts off the flow of
any liquid or gas at a desirable pressure. Mainly they are used to allow high-pressure fluid
supply lines or tanks to be reduced to safe and usable pressures for various applications.

5.3 Control Valves: They are used to control conditions such as flow, pressure, temperature,
and liquid level by fully or partially opening or closing in response to signals received from
its controllers which compare set points to a process variable whose values are provided by
the sensors that monitor changes in such conditions. Valmik Patel et al / International Journal
of Mechanical Engineering and Futuristic Technology

5.4 Battery: Being an eminent supplier and trader of 12V Electric Bike Batteries, they are
highly used in various fields like Sightseeing Bus, EV and HEV. These batteries are
environment friendly and safe to chargeable. It use for the hybrid vehicle to electric power.

5.5 Air filters: The MDI engine works with air that is taken from the atmosphere and air pre-
compressed in tanks. Air is compressed by the on-board compressor or at service stations
which are equipped with a high-pressure compressor. Before compression, filtration of air is
needed to get rid of any impurities that could damage the
engine. Carbon filters are used to eliminate dirt, humidity, dust and various other particles
which, unfortunately, are found in the atmospheric air in our surroundings.

P.K. TECHNICAL CAMPUS 5

 PNEUMATIC HYBRID VEHICLE

6. WORKING
Starting can be made with either air or IC engine. We prefer air engine for simplicity. This is
because our design was made simpler and starting air engine requires some procedures to be
followed which can be automated in future. The
starting of air engine is as follows:
1.Start the engine first
2. Now open the ball valve to the engine entry
3. Now regulate the air flow
4. Now take the gears as of wish
5. Keep regulating air for speed control along with gears
6. Ensure the valve is closed after the run
Starting can also be made with IC engine. For this a push to on switch is provided. Pressing
the switch IC engines gets started. There is no gearing shifts required as it is made automatic.
The speed can be controlled with help of acceleration pedals. The braking also provided with
help of pedals. To stop the engine push to stop switch is provided which on pressing stops the
engine. Switching refers to working between two power sources. As already said we had
made parallel arrangement so that power can be taken from the desired one. We prefer to start
the vehicle with air as said earlier. Then at a time when air reaches 2 bar we can turn on the
IC engine by simply pushing the switch button. Thus the switching is being done. Also it is
preferred to run the vehicle in traffic areas with air engine. This helps in reducing the fuel
consumption by idling and also helps in reducing the pollution of traffic areas. Regeneration
can be yielded by switching ON the DC compressor. Also the compressor can be started
whenever desired allowing compressed air to be generated in the compressor tank. The air
can also be generated from the air compressor in labs, petrol pumps etc. which refills much
faster when compared to the DC compressor. A small compressor can also be brought home
for the purpose. It is cost effective while comparing with the fossil fuel and its emissions.
Thus the replenishing can be done with a DC compressor, air compressor and from petrol
pumps which can be done with less investment.

P.K. TECHNICAL CAMPUS 6

 PNEUMATIC HYBRID VEHICLE

6.1 Working of IC Engine

6.2 Working of Air Engine

P.K. TECHNICAL CAMPUS 7

 PNEUMATIC HYBRID VEHICLE

7. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

7.1 Advantages:
1. Built with lightweight materials, these vehicles are very compact in size. The engine is
built to be very fuel efficient. When the vehicle stops at a traffic light, the air engine can be
used for better fuel efficiency.
2. These cars have the benefit of being run by a gasoline engine and an air engine which
exists for acceleration.
3. The air in the tank replenishes when running the vehicle in IC engines.
4. Hybrid vehicle engines generate fewer emissions, provide good mileage, idle less, and are
very fuel efficient. These hybrid vehicles can help save planet.
5. The aerodynamic architecture lessens drag and the tires can be built with a unique rubber
which lessens fiction.
6. The DC compressor with higher efficiency can be implemented which yields better
performance.
7. The power-train equipment permits utilization of a couple of power sources and improves
mileage.
8. Usage of carbon nano fibre tanks allows us to have about 100 bar air storage which
increases the mileage with no
emission
9. In case you select a hybrid vehicle then the Government will appreciate your selection by
providing you considerable tax breaks.
10. Driving a hybrid implies that you are dynamic in guaranteeing the environment is clean
and that you care for your planet. It also indicates that you are a responsible citizen who
wants to save fuel which is valuable.

7.2Disadvantages:
1. Less Power – hybrids are built for economy and conservation, not for speed and
acceleration. It is true that the combination of engines provides enough power for most
people’s daily activity, but your total power output will be less than a similar gas-powered
car.
2. Maintenance Costs – hybrid vehicles tend to be more complex to repair because of the dual
compulsion factor, and therefore they are also more expensive to repair. It can also be
challenging to find a mechanic that has experience with hybrids.
3. Handling – the lighter weight of a hybrid vehicle can have a negative effect on the
handling. That’s not to say you’ll be sliding into oncoming traffic, but it may not handle quite
as smoothly as a regular, gas-powered vehicle.
4. Risk of air leakage – the air leakage during accidents can lead to explosions. The puncture
type tanks are being option which is under development

P.K. TECHNICAL CAMPUS 8

 PNEUMATIC HYBRID VEHICLE

8. CONCLUSION
The pneumatic hybrid vehicle is one of the treasures for automobile industry. It promises a
good combination of power sources along with contributing to green technology. The air
hybrids are easy to manufacture and can be easily driven any carbon footprints. The
compression of air is not much expensive and we know that fossil fuel availability
has been reduced. So for a better tomorrow pneumatic hybrid has its role. We have made a
demonstration vehicle and it has many drawbacks which can be avoided by installing some
automation technique. Also the air hybrid with electric hybrid can be made which again
reduces the pollution. Thus for green technology air hybrid is a boon. Many companies are
producing air vehicles presently whose technology can be implemented for a better hybrid
vehicle so that power boost can be achieved. We have achieved what could be a major
breakthrough in the battle to create greener and cheaper motoring. We have found a way to
adapt a normal petrol (gas) combustion engine to run on compressed air generated within the
vehicle – to give an extra boost to power the motor and considerably reduce the cost of
running a car. The result is a new low-cost ‘pneumatic hybrid vehicle’ which significantly
cuts emissions of carbon dioxide the so-called greenhouse gas blamed for global warming
cuts fuel consumption by around 30 per cent and offers the driver of a family car better fuel
economy. Existing ‘green’ hybrid cars such as the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight use a
petrol engine and braking energy to generate on-board electricity to give supplementary
power to the vehicle. Our vehicle uses the similar principle. But in this case, we have not
entered the scope of the braking energy which can be done in future. Thus a better green
technology for tomorrow is guaranteed with our project

P.K. TECHNICAL CAMPUS 9

 PNEUMATIC HYBRID VEHICLE

9. FUTURE SCOPE

The system eliminates the need for fuel, making the environmental pollution-free. The
compressed air drives air motor, which turns the vehicles wheels, once compressed, the air is
stored in tank. The air is used when vehicle needs energy, such as for starting up and
acceleration. In future we are able to use vehicle with various modifications like increasing
tank capacity; using composite materials of high strength; weight of parts like chassis, storage
tank, etc, reduces which results in low weight of vehicle; reducing losses of air flow through
nozzles, pipes, etc. With above modifications it is possible to increase the performance and
distance achieved by vehicle.

P.K. TECHNICAL CAMPUS 10

 PNEUMATIC HYBRID VEHICLE

10. REFERANCES
[1] “Pneumatic Vehicle Using Compressed Air: A Real Solution to Pollution and Fuel Crisis”; N.A.Shinde,
R.H.Dhonde, N.S.Gawade, S.B.Shinde, S.S.Kale Department of Mechnical Engineering, Jspm Narhe
Technical Campus Narhe,Pune-41; IJRRCME; Year-2015.
[2] “Design and Development of Pneumatic Hybrid Vehicle (PHV)”; Franco Antony, P J Albert, Rimin P R,
Rino Disney, Sooraj M S, Sreevalsan S Menon; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jyothi
Engineering & College, Thrissur, India.; IJIRSET; Year-2014.
[3] “Latest Developments of a Compressed Air Vehicle: A Status Report”; S.S. Verma, S.L.I.E.T., Longowal;
Global journal INC. (USA); Year-2013.
[4] “Compressed air car”; Dr. S.S.Thipse; Tech Monitor; Nov-Dec 2008.
[5] “Study of compressed air as an alternative to fossil fuel for automobile engines”; B.R.Singh & Onkar
Singh.
[6] “Compressed air vehicle: a review”; Saurabh Pathak, Kontham Swetha, V.Sreedhar, V.S.V Prabhakar;
4th IRF International Conference, Chennai; 9th March-2014.
[7] “Air Powered Vehicles”; S.S. Verma; The Open Fuels & Energy Science Journal; Year-2008.
[8] “Fabrication of Compressed Air Engine”; D.RAVI; Middle-East Journal of Scientific Research 20 (9):
1075-1077; Year-2014.
[9] “Design of Machine element”; V.B.Bhandari; 3rd Edition, 2011.
[10] “Fluid Power”; Khurmi; 3rd Edition, 2011

P.K. TECHNICAL CAMPUS 11