A bike which use pressurize air as a fuel is known as pneumatic bikes. I.C power engines are replaced by fluid power. The power system in the vehicle is not by combustion of fuel but by means of pressurized fluid power (air). If we arrange the whole system in a particular manner then we can achieve it.
OBJECTIVES
- To replace the conventional two wheeler power source by fluid power source.
- To save the non-renewable source of energy.
- To bring zero pollution factor.
CONSTRUCTION
Basic set up consist of four parts;
COMPRESSOR:The compressor has a motor whose supply is fed from a rechargeable battery. The air compressor increases the pressure of gas by reducing the volume of gas as described by the perfect gas laws.
ELECTRIC MOTOR : Electric motor is a rotary actuator which is used initially to drive the vehicle to overcome the initial torque required to drive the vehicle with load. Once the vehicle gains the initial momentum and the running torque and a stipulated speed say (20 km/hr), the power system is switched over to the pneumatic system from the electrical.
TORQUE SENSOR: Torque sensor is a transducer which converts the torque acting on the wheel into analog signal. The signal is then send to the relays and thereby playing an immigrant part in switching over the power from motor to cylinder. The cylinders which now start reciprocating become the drive source.
PNEUMATIC CYLINDER: Pneumatic cylinder is made to reciprocating continuously. They are of high precision and resolution thereby giving approximately 450 strokes/min. The pneumatic cylinder is prime actuator once the power system transfers to pneumatic system.
WORKING METHODOLOGY
The principle of generation of power in a two wheeler is by means of fluid power and there by replacing the power system of conventional engine. This is achieved by the continuous reciprocation of pneumatic cylinder where its rod ends are linked to the crank of an engine.
The linear reciprocation of cylinder is converted into a rotary motion.The vehicle runs on the power produced by the air. Power stroke obtained is directly proportional to the pressure at which the air is sent.
SPEED AND BRAKING
Speed is regulated by means of metering valve which meters the flow of the air inside the cylinder. The valve can be used to regulate the flow to increase and as well as decrease. The regulation would give the speed variation or the vehicle. Braking is achieved to stop the vehicle at the instantaneous hindrances.
This is achieved by metering the valve which completely stops the air flow. Note once the torque increase the motor is employed so in order to stop this, the hand brake is applied which act as switch between the supply and the motor, eventually cutting of the supply.
ADVANTAGES
- As air is used as a fuel it produces zero pollution these bikes are ecofriendly.
- Silent in operation, thus reduces noise pollution.
- These bikes are light in weight.
- It reduces the consumption of natural fuels like petrol, diesel etc.
DISADVANTAGES
- Less speed (up to 60-70 km/h).
- Frequent maintenance is required.
- It has a high cost.
CONCLUSION
Even through the vehicle is in its early stage of development. Thus if we replace conventional I.C. power system by fluid power system then it is always beneficial to us.
Source: slideshare
