Title: Numerical Analysis of

Compressed Air Engines:

Performance Evaluation
and Optimization
EDWIN,20BME111,VIT CHENNAI, Kelambakkam - Vandalur Rd, Rajan Nagar,
Chennai,TamilNadu 600127

Email-edwin.r2020@vitstudent.ac.in

Abstract:
Compressed air engines (CAEs) have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional internal
combustion engines, offering potential advantages in terms of environmental sustainability and
energy efficiency. This study presents a comprehensive numerical analysis of compressed air
engines, focusing on performance evaluation and optimization strategies.

The investigation begins with a detailed mathematical model that captures the thermodynamic
processes within the compressed air engine. This model considers key parameters such as
compression and expansion ratios, heat transfer losses, and frictional effects. Utilizing numerical
methods, simulations are conducted to predict the engine's performance under various operating
conditions.

The analysis encompasses a wide range of factors influencing CAE efficiency, including
pressure ratios, initial air temperatures, and discharge temperatures. Sensitivity analyses are
performed to identify the most influential parameters affecting overall engine performance. The
numerical simulations provide insights into the trade-offs between efficiency, power output, and
environmental impact.

Furthermore, the study explores strategies for optimizing compressed air engine performance.
This involves investigating the impact of advanced materials, innovative heat exchange methods,
and novel compression-expansion cycle configurations. The goal is to identify optimal design
parameters that maximize efficiency while minimizing energy losses.
The results of this numerical analysis contribute valuable insights into the potential of
compressed air engines as sustainable power sources. The findings offer guidance for engineers
and researchers working on the development and enhancement of compressed air engine
technology. Additionally, the study addresses challenges and opportunities associated with the
practical implementation of CAEs, considering real-world constraints and feasibility.

Introduction:
The global pursuit of sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solutions has driven
significant advancements in alternative propulsion technologies. Among these innovations,
compressed air engines (CAEs) have emerged as promising contenders, offering the potential to
address the environmental challenges associated with traditional internal combustion engines.
This paper embarks on a comprehensive exploration of CAEs through a rigorous numerical
analysis, focusing on the evaluation of performance characteristics and the development of
optimization strategies.

As the global community intensifies efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change, the
significance of sustainable transportation solutions cannot be overstated. Compressed air engines
represent a unique and potentially transformative technology in this landscape. The outcomes of
this study are expected to provide crucial insights into the performance characteristics and
optimization potential of CAEs, contributing to the ongoing discourse on sustainable mobility.

By understanding the nuances of compressed air engine operation through numerical analysis,
this research aims to address existing challenges and identify opportunities for improvement. The
findings have the potential to influence not only the design and development of future
compressed air engines but also the broader discourse on environmentally friendly transportation
solutions.

The ever-growing concerns about climate change, air pollution, and the finite nature of fossil
fuels have intensified the search for sustainable energy solutions. In this context, the automotive
and transportation industries are seeking alternatives that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions
and dependence on non-renewable resources. Compressed air, as an energy carrier, presents an
intriguing possibility for powering engines, with its potential to minimize environmental impact.

Compressed air engines operate on the principle of converting stored energy in compressed air
into mechanical work, providing a cleaner and potentially more efficient alternative to
conventional combustion engines. The motivation behind this study lies in the need to
understand, quantify, and optimize the performance of CAEs to harness their full potential as
viable alternatives in the global quest for sustainable transportation.

The concept of compressed air propulsion dates back to the mid-19th century, with historical
implementations such as the Parisian "pneumatic" subway. However, recent advancements in
materials, manufacturing processes, and computational modeling have reignited interest in
compressed air as a power source. Several prototypes and experimental vehicles powered by
compressed air have been developed, showcasing the feasibility of this technology.

Despite the historical context and recent progress, CAEs still face challenges related to
efficiency, energy density, and practical implementation. This necessitates a deeper
understanding of the underlying thermodynamic processes and a systematic exploration of the
parameters influencing CAE performance.

The primary objective of this research is to conduct a thorough numerical analysis of compressed
air engines, with a focus on performance evaluation and optimization. The study aims to develop
a detailed mathematical model that accurately represents the complex thermodynamic processes
within CAEs, considering factors such as compression and expansion ratios, heat transfer losses,
and frictional effects.

Additionally, the research seeks to explore a wide range of operational parameters, including
pressure ratios, initial air temperatures, and discharge temperatures, to understand their impact
on overall engine performance. Sensitivity analyses will be employed to identify the most
influential factors affecting efficiency, power output, and environmental sustainability.

Furthermore, the study will delve into strategies for optimizing CAE performance. This involves
investigating the potential benefits of advanced materials, innovative heat exchange methods,
and novel compression-expansion cycle configurations. By identifying optimal design
parameters, the research aims to provide practical insights for engineers and researchers working
towards the development and enhancement of compressed air engine technology.
Methodology for Studying the Performance of
Compressed Air Engine:
 Mathematical Modeling:
o Ideal Gas Law: PV=nRT Utilize the ideal gas law to model the behavior of
compressed air within the engine, considering pressure (P), volume (V), number
of moles (n), gas constant (R), and temperature (T).
o Polytropic Process: P1 V1γ =P2 V2γ Apply the polytropic process equation to
simulate compression and expansion, where P1 and P2 are initial and final
pressures, V1 and V2 are initial and final volumes, and γ is the heat capacity
ratio.
o Energy Balance: Net Work=Heat In−Heat OutNet Work=Heat In−Heat Out
Develop an energy balance equation to quantify the net work output by
considering the heat input and output during the compression-expansion cycle.
 Numerical Simulation:
o Finite Difference Method: Implement the finite difference method to discretize
the governing equations derived from the mathematical model. This numerical
simulation approach allows the computation of system behavior over discrete time
steps.
 Performance Metrics:
o Efficiency (η): =Net WorkHeat Inη=Heat InNet Work Evaluate the efficiency of
the compressed air engine by calculating the ratio of net work output to the heat
input during the cycle.
o Power Output: Power=Net WorkCycle TimePower=Cycle TimeNet Work
Measure the power output of the engine as the rate of doing work per unit time.
o Thermal Efficiency: Thermal Efficiency=Net WorkHeat In−Heat OutThermal
Efficiency=Heat In−Heat OutNet Work Assess the thermal efficiency,
considering both work output and heat losses during the compression-expansion
process.
 Sensitivity Analysis:
o Parameter Variation: ∂Output∂Parameter∂Parameter∂Output Conduct
sensitivity analysis by varying key parameters (e.g., compression ratio, initial
conditions) and analyzing the impact on performance metrics. Compute partial
derivatives to identify influential factors.
 Optimization Strategies:
o Parametric Adjustment: Adjust parameters such as compression ratio or heat
transfer coefficients to maximize efficiency or power output. Utilize numerical
optimization techniques to find optimal values.
 Validation:
 o Comparison with Experimental Data: Compare numerical results with
available experimental data for existing compressed air engine prototypes or
relevant literature. Ensure the mathematical model and numerical simulation
accurately represent real-world behavior.
 Real-world Considerations:
o Economic Viability: Evaluate economic feasibility by considering factors like
investment cost, operating expenses, and potential savings in energy consumption.
Develop an economic viability index to assess the practical implementation of the
compressed air engine.

The model of the pneumatic motor was designed using solidworks software.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

A. Design of Ball Bearing: Bearing No. 6202

Outer Diameter of Bearing (D) = 35 mm

Thickness of Bearing (B) = 12 mm

Inner Diameter of the Bearing (d) = 15 mm (about 0.59 in)

r1 = Corner radii on shaft and housing

r1 = 1 (From design data book)

Maximum Speed = 14,000 rpm (From design data book)

Mean Diameter (mm) = (D + d) / 2 = (35 + 15) / 2 = 25 mm

B. Engine Design Calculations:

Design and Analysis on Temperature Distribution for Two- Stroke Engine Component Using
Finite Element Method:

1. Specification of Four Stroke Petrol Engine: Type : Four strokes Cooling System : Air Cooled
Bore/Stroke : 50 x 50 mm Piston Displacement : 98.2 cc Compression Ratio : 6.6: 1 Maximum
Torque : 0.98 kg-m at 5,500RPM 2. Calculation: Compression ratio = (Swept Volume +
Clearance Volume)/ Clearance Volume Here, Compression ratio = 6.6:1 6.6 = (98.2 + Vc)/Vc
Vc = 19.64 cc

Assumptions:

1.The component gases and the mixture behave like ideal gases.

2. Mixture obeys the Gibbs-Dalton law

Pressure exerted on the walls of the cylinder by air is P1

P1 = (M1RT)/V Here, M1 = m/M = (Mass of the gas or air)/ (Molecular Weight)

R = Universal gas constant = 8.314 KJ/Kg mole K.

T1 = 303 ºK V1 = V = 253.28 x10-6 m³

Molecular weight of air = 1.165 x 22.4

P1 = {[(m1/(1.165 x 22.4)] x 8.314 x303]}/253.28 x 10-6 P1 = 381134.1 m (about 236.83 mi)

Let Pressure exerted by the fuel is P2 P2 = (N2 R T)/V Density of petrol = 800 Kg/m³ P2 =
{[(M2)/(800 x 22.4)] x8.314 x 303]}/(253.28 x 10-6) P2 = 555.02 m2

Therefore Total pressure inside the cylinder PT = P1 + P2 = 1.01325 x 100 KN/m² 381134.1 m1
+ 555.02 m2 = 1.01325 x 100 ---------

(1) Calculation of air fuel ratio: Carbon = 86% Hydrogen = 14%

We know that, 1Kg of carbon requires 8/3 Kg of oxygen for the complete combustion. 1Kg of
carbon sulphur requires 1 Kg of Oxygen for its complete combustion. (From Heat Power
Engineering-Balasundarum)

Therefore,

The total oxygen requires for complete combustion of 1Kg of fuel = [ (8/3c) + (3H2) + S] Kg

Little of oxygen may already present in the fuel, then the total oxygen required for complete
combustion of Kg of fuel = { [ (8/3c) + (8H2) + S ] – O2} Kg As air contains 23% by weight of
Oxygen for obtain of oxygen amount of air required = 100/23 Kg Minimum air required for
complete combustion of 1 Kg of fuel = (100/23) { [ (8/3c) + H2+ S] – O2} Kg So for petrol 1Kg
of fuel requires = (100/23) {[(8/3c) x 0.86 + (8 x 0.14) ] } = 14.84 Kg of air Air fuel ratio =
m1/m2 = 14.84/1 = 14.84 m1 = 14.84 m2 -----
-------(2) Substitute (2) in (1) 1.01325 x 100 = 3.81134 (14.84 m2) + 555.02 m2 m2 = 1.791 x
10-5 Kg/

Cycle Mass of fuel flow per cycle = 1.791 x 10-5 Kg cycle

Therefore, Mass flow rate of the fuel for 2500 RPM [(1.791 x 10-5)/3600] x (2500/2) x 60=
3.731 x 10-4 Kg/sec

DESIGN OF THE PNEUMATIC MOTOR IN SOLIDWORKS SOFTWARE

CONCLUSION:
The numerical analysis of a pneumatic motor provides valuable insights into its performance
characteristics, efficiency, and overall feasibility for various applications. In conclusion, the
findings of the numerical analysis contribute to a better understanding of the pneumatic motor's
behavior under different operating conditions. A comprehensive numerical analysis provides
valuable insights into the performance and characteristics of pneumatic motors, paving the way
for further improvements, optimizations, and practical applications in various industries.

REFRENCES:
 Internet website www.wikipedia.com
 Internet website www.youtube.com
 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339458353_Compressed_Air_Engine
 https://chat.openai.com/c/21e2c9de-f17f-4684-9cc7-f4ddca026a0a