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Old 05-06-2009, 04:44 PM   #9 (permalink)
Bicycle Bob
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: N. Saskatchewan, CA
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Appliance White - '93 Geo Metro 4-Dr. Auto
Last 3: 42.35 mpg (US)

Stealth RV - '91 Chevy Sprint Base
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Available hydraulic components are designed for compact dimensions, not efficiency, although it could be the other way. The motors are generally quite reversible - using them for regenerative braking is just a matter of valving and tank pressure. Unfortunately, storing energy by compressing air in an accumulator tank can lead to huge losses from the heat of compression, and storing substantial amounts of energy that way is potentially very dangerous, since the "fuel" does not burn; it expands as readily as high explosive.
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