Scholarly record
LIGHTWEIGHT HYBRID PNEUMATIC-ELECTRIC VEHICLE FOR RESOURCE-EFFICIENT INDIVIDUAL URBAN TRANSPORTATION
Abstract
Europe’s transition towards a circular green economy is accelerating, highlighted by the urgent need for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. While conventional electric vehicles present a viable solution, their manufacturing heavily relies on critical raw materials. The Zephyr AGH project addresses this environmental challenge by developing an innovative, lightweight hybrid vehicle designed to minimize both energy consumption and material dependency. The powertrain architecture utilizes an electric motor as the primary propulsion unit, complemented by a pneumatic system that provides additional torque during acceleration phases. This paper outlines the recently achieved engineering advancements of the Zephyr AGH vehicle. Comprehensive design methodologies, including computer-aided design and structural simulations, were applied to maintain mechanical durability and to design the electrical and pneumatic subsystems. The paper details the development of the dedicated gearbox configuration and the choice of high-pressure air storage units, both focused on safety and weight reduction. It also discusses current technical challenges, thermodynamic effects during air expansion, and future optimization areas. Based on preliminary architectural evaluations, the Zephyr AGH concept demonstrates potential as an eco-friendly, sustainable solution for individual urban transportation, offering a scalable alternative with a reduced material footprint compared to standard EVs.
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