The Scuderi Air Engine might be for real.
Not just theoretical anymore
I’ve loosely followed the Scuderi Air hybrid story over the years, but have never really been sure what to make of the possibility of compressed air hybrids. Some have gone so far as to call the whole idea a hoax. However, some recent research out of Sweden’s Lund University indicates that pneumatic hybrids might be more than just hot air.
And, if hydraulic hybrids are starting to make sense, why not air hybrids?
“The technology is fully realistic,” claims Per Tunestål, a researcher in Combustion Engines at Lund University in Sweden. Additionally, Tunestål thinks that air hybrids could be as effective as battery-hybrids, but much cheaper.
While most research regarding air hybrids has been theoretical, this latest research has been completed using an actual engine, providing “credible driving cycle results”, although the engine in question was only a simple single cylinder engine. Soon, however, the Swedish researchers plan to test their results on a multi-cycle engine.
Nice to see some additional science become part of the air hybrid story, although the idea still seems a bit lofty. Still, considering how disruptive this technology could be, it’s hard to believe that a major automaker hasn’t become more involved since Ford left this idea behind back in the ’90’s.