Quote:
Originally Posted by Tahoe_Hybrid
Air can be stored quite effectively in bottles when the ICE is running
|
Sure, but it also adds some weight and complexity. Holding compressed air for the engine starters is a whole different matter than having to store enough air to keep an airliner pressurized while cruising only on the electric motors or gliding. Considering some earlier pressurized aircraft had engine-driven compressors instead of resorting to air bleeding from the engine's compressors, maybe an accessory compressor driven by an electric motor shouldn't be so out of question. But anyway, it wouldn't surprise me if an electric motor becomes a viable replacement for both the reduction gear (when applied) and the accessory gearbox of an airliner engine.