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Review of Energy-Efficient Pneumatic Propulsion Systems in Vehicle Applications

Author

Listed:
  • Ryszard Dindorf

    (Department of Mechatronics and Armament, Faculty of Mechatronics and Mechanical Engineering, Kielce University of Technology, 25-314 Kielce, Poland)

  • Jakub Takosoglu

    (Department of Mechatronics and Armament, Faculty of Mechatronics and Mechanical Engineering, Kielce University of Technology, 25-314 Kielce, Poland)

Abstract

This review comprehensively presents the development of energy-efficient pneumatic propulsion systems (PPSs) in road vehicle applications, which are classified as green vehicles. The advantages and disadvantages of PPSs were presented, and PPSs were compared with combustion propulsion systems (CPSs) and electric propulsion systems (EPSs), as well as their power-to-weight ratios (PWRs), energy densities, and CO 2 emissions. The review of compressed air vehicles (CAVs) focuses on their historical development and future prospects. This review discusses the use of PPSs with compressed air engines (CAEs) as an alternative propulsion system in green vehicles, providing a simple, energy-saving, and environmentally friendly solution. This review also discusses hybrid air propulsion, which, when combined with internal combustion engines (ICEs) or electric motors (EMs), offers innovative energy-efficient propulsion systems that are more economical than conventional hybrid propulsion systems. This review focuses on recent advances in lightweight air vehicles that improve vehicle handling, increase efficiency, and reduce propulsion energy consumption. Discussion of the study results concerns the use of PPSs in a three-wheeled rehabilitation tricycle (RTB). A comprehensive computation model of the RTB was presented, and the key performance parameters crucial to its operation were analyzed. The results of the RTB simulation were verified through field tests.

Suggested Citation

  • Ryszard Dindorf & Jakub Takosoglu, 2025. "Review of Energy-Efficient Pneumatic Propulsion Systems in Vehicle Applications," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-48, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:17:p:4688-:d:1741685
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ryszard Dindorf, 2024. "Study of the Energy Efficiency of Compressed Air Storage Tanks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-37, February.
    2. Zbigniew Gmyrek, 2024. "Optimal Electric Motor Designs of Light Electric Vehicles: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-35, July.
    3. Chih-Yung Huang & Cheng-Kang Hu & Chih-Jie Yu & Cheng-Kuo Sung, 2013. "Experimental Investigation on the Performance of a Compressed-Air Driven Piston Engine," Energies, MDPI, vol. 6(3), pages 1-15, March.
    4. Dimitrova, Zlatina & Maréchal, François, 2015. "Gasoline hybrid pneumatic engine for efficient vehicle powertrain hybridization," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 151(C), pages 168-177.
    5. Ryszard Dindorf & Jakub Takosoglu & Piotr Wos, 2023. "Review of Compressed Air Receiver Tanks for Improved Energy Efficiency of Various Pneumatic Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-37, May.
    6. Huang, K. David & Tzeng, Sheng-Chung, 2005. "Development of a hybrid pneumatic-power vehicle," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 80(1), pages 47-59, January.
    7. Yonghong Xu & Xin Wang & Hongguang Zhang & Fubin Yang & Jia Liang & Hailong Yang & Kai Niu & Zhuxian Liu & Yan Wang & Yuting Wu, 2022. "Experimental Investigation of the Output Performance of Compressed-Air-Powered Vehicles with a Pneumatic Motor," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-21, November.
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