Compressed air vehicle having enhanced performance through use of magnus effect

摘要

The efficiency of compressed air vehicle is enhanced by adapting the compressed air storage tank with a Magnus rotor that creates lift so as to reduce the effective weight of the tank during operation. A compressed air tank has an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet of a compressed air motor. Air leaving the compressed air motor is caused to flow across the Magnus rotor whereby lift is generated to counter gravitational force thereby reducing the effective weight of the system. A battery powered electric fan has an inlet disposed to draw air across the Magnus rotor thereby increasing the velocity of the air so as to maximize the Magnus effect. A thermoelectric cooler transfers heat across the compressed air motor, i.e. from air exiting the compressed air motor outlet, to the air entering the compressed air motor inlet, whereby the temperature of the air entering the compressed air motor is increased resulting in increased pressure. Conversely, transferring heat from the air exiting the compressed air motor and prior to flowing across the Magnus rotor, increases the density of the air flowing across the Magnus rotor so as to maximize the efficiency of the Magnus effect. Finally, the fan has an output in fluid communication with the input of a compressor, which re-compresses the air and delivers the re-compressed air to the storage tank.