Air Powered Engine

A weed whacker engine converted from gasoline to compressed air. *Updated: As of a few weeks ago May 2009 I have thrown this project out... Unfortunately! I needed to make room for my upcoming projects with computers. I will still answer questions though! Thanks for all the comments.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• weed
• whacker
• engine
• compressed
• air
• cool
• neat
• invention
• gas
• convert
• conversion
• jeremiah
• duke
• mechanics
• gadget
• energy
• ideas
• green

[huchcha19]

@djrock9000 yeah but to time the solenoid you are using a magnet along with a reed switch right? any method in which you can power the solenoid without the use of a magnetic switch?

[djrock9000]

@huchcha19 Yep there is a magnetic switch in use. Not sure what other method could be used. Some sort of mechanical system like a cam shaft in a car would be better. That would involve a whole lot more work though. :)

[huchcha19]

I just have one question, how long will the reed switch last as i have read elsewhere that it has a very short life span ~100000 cycles, not very useful on a motor thats supposed to do atleast 2500rpm. How long did it last for you??

[djrock9000]

@huchcha19 I really didn't give it much time to work to find out how long it would last. I am sure if an engine would be powered like this it would all be mechanical so there would be no need for a magnetic switch. :)

[salmasalamahmed]

that is of NO use at all .

[djrock9000]

@salmasalamahmed Of course it has no use. Its what we call a learning project or a prototype. The idea, however, is very useful.

[huchcha19]

@djrock9000 OK cool thanks anyways :-)

[christophers1247]

Running an engine in air is not very efficient the power used to compress air to a usable psi is much greater than the power output possible plus and air powered engine will have no usable torque as it is easily stalled.

[9875ization]

you know I was talking with someone and it was mentioned A HUGE PVC PIPE converted to a tank and put on wheels I Think my world is headed, this the new crotch rocket. One big tank that is for now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[roadblockin]

i must say very interesting didnt think it would even work but with our economy the way it is maybe u can see about some kind of patend and maybe come up with a scooter of some sort ran by air, my kids had one ran by a weed eater engine if u could figure out a way to run it with an alternatori think u got something

[minibikerider1]

@billybobjojj161 you can do it to any engine even a v8 but 2 strokes you cant because there is no oil in the crankcase any more because of no mixed gas so you need a 4 stroke or a 2 stroke that wont run long lol