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Compressed air is not an energy source, it's a short term energy storage medium. The same static/non-static correlation between electric and gasoline exists. Mo
by bradleyland 13y ago
Compressed air is not an energy source, it's a short term energy storage medium. The same static/non-static correlation between electric and gasoline exists. Most compressors in static installations are electric. Compressors that must be used in the field are frequently powered by a small internal combustion engine.
Compressed air is used because the powerhead is much smaller and lighter than an electric motor (at available voltages) of comparable power. This makes it suitable for handheld tools. Otherwise, compressed air represents a NET loss of energy, and would be avoided.
- mikeash 13y agoTechnically, nothing is an energy source. It's all just storage and conversion. In any case, compressed air is directly analogous to electricity here. It's a way to transmit energy generated elsewhere.
- bradleyland 13y agoIt's a matter of context. In the broadest sense, nuclear reactions are an energy source. In general, I agree with you, but it's easy to see the difference between electricity and compressed air. Compressed air is an intermediary in the sense that wire-transmitted electricity is, but it's used in very limited contexts.
- deleted 13y ago[deleted]
- deleted 13y ago[deleted]
- mikeash 13y agoI don't understand the distinction you're drawing between electricity and compressed air. Aside from the fact that compressed air is much less efficient and much more difficult to run over long distances, they look pretty much identical to me: they are both ways of transmitting energy.