The Citroën C3 Hybrid Air is a remarkably simple way to make hybrids, greener, cleaner, lighter and cheaper. No kidding. Rather than having a heavy bank of batteries supplying energy, lightweight air cylinders provide the extra energy. An air pump sits by the gas engine (an 82-hp, 1.2-liter four-cylinder gas engine) and pumps air directly into the dual-mode automatic transmission.
When the Citroën C3’s brakes engage, the air pump replenishes the air-tank’s supply. It’s also pumped up from engine/pump combo the same way batteries are regenerated on a conventional hybrid. The secret-sauce for the Citroën C3’s air hybrid setup is the transmission as it’s built to handle both forms of power. It can work with the engine normally, both air and gas engine for maximum power and just with the air when traversing city traffic situations.
The Citroën C3 air hybrid is bloody ingenious and why the hell didn’t we think of this before!? The benefits are far-reaching. The whole system is lighter and more compact than a regular hybrid unit. It does not require the manufacturing of batteries which makes it cheaper AND cleaner. No worries about reconstituting batteries either, which adds to its clean footprint.
This is how the Citroën C3 air hybrid works: ” HYBRID AIR TECHNOLOGY IN DETAIL
Hybrid Air combines proven sub-systems and technologies including a PureTech petrol engine, a compressed air energy storage unit, a hydraulic pump/motor unit and an automatic transmission with an epicyclic gear train. Eighty patents were filed by the PSA Peugeot Citroën Group during the development process.
An intelligent electronic management system manages input from the driver to optimize energy efficiency with three operating modes;
- Air power, with zero emissions
- Petrol power, using just the combustion engine
- Combined power, with the combustion engine and hydraulic motor working together
Hybrid Air combines all of the technologies, relying on the intelligent electronic management unit to switch continuously between the three operating modes. Optimizing energy efficiency in this way cuts fuel consumption and allows the system to recharge the energy storage unit with compressed air.
Active up to 43mph (70kph), Air Mode works in the same way as the ZEV mode on existing hybrid vehicles.
The combustion engine is not used. The energy stored (compressed air) is transmitted to the wheels via the hydraulic motor and gearbox. Depending on traffic, this mode will be active between 60 and 80% of urban driving time. Maximum use of deceleration and braking energy will ensure efficient recharging of the compressed air unit.
Petrol Mode transmits energy to the wheels without input from the compressed air unit. This mode is used primarily for journeys outside urban areas. Again, the energy from deceleration and braking is recovered for use when in Air Mode or for the boost function in Combined Mode.
Combined Mode, the combustion engine and hydraulic motor work together. This mode is used particularly during pick-up and strong acceleration, with a significant boost effect (total power of up to 90 kW) delivering performance comparable to that of an engine from the next market segment.” – – Citroën Media
Now think about it, what is the weakest part of just about every Hybrid?
Batteries.
We can all agree that weight is the enemy of efficiency and performance… this might be a hell of a simple fix.
Finally: this is just the tip of the iceberg with the potential of air power. Injecting an engine with air replacing combustion is being tested and results are favorable. Small air compressors, lightweight air cylinders and pneumatic generators are being looked at for emergency power for – (Would you believe it?) – electric cars. Air is remarkably cheap, fairly safe and mighty clean.
I hope Citroën C3 technology comes our way soon! The Citroën C3 wil debut at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show.
Check out this fun video with the 2013 Toyota RAV4 EV!
I’m fascinated by this technological solution and I bet you are too!
