There are known ways to build efficient hydraulic hybrids and it has been done. Artemus Intellegent Power actually converted a production car with their system. They gained efficiency without even downsizing the engine. Hydraulic hybrids will represent a lower cost vehicle than an electric hybrid of the same power.

It must be remembered that small and large pressure tanks have the same theoretical energy storage per unit weight of the same material, so small air tanks can be put in various places and connected with small tubes. Hydrogen would give better power than air but it leaks. Some UPS systems use several standard air tanks for energy storage instead of batteries.

Artemis Intellegent Power might well devote some effort to making more efficient air compressors and air motors or even small steam engines. An Artemis valved steam unit could run in parallel with the engine using the engine and exhaust heat in a Still combination for more efficiency and power. The steam machine would need a condenser but make up water can actually be derived from the engine exhaust. Tiny steam turbo generators may be more efficient.

For some vehicles and uses, a low technology flywheel can be used for slightly longer term energy storage as in the Parry People Mover now entering full training for revenue service on a railway branch line.

It is unfortunate that the INNAS NOAX Chiron free piston hydraulic engine is not being tested in this use. There was some information once that connected its development with Caterpillar. The Chiron is the ultimate in flexible operation and generates lower pollution without as much a need for exhaust cleanup. With only one major moving part, it will have longer life and less wear. Electricity can be generated with a Turgo wheel attached to the hydraulic system.

Hydraulic power tranmission is not new; London had a system of high pressure pipes and large steam driven pumps that pumped water from the river into the pipes at high pressure. Small factories and shops would not have to run their own steam engines to run machinery, but they would use water motors and drain the water into storm sewers. Electric motors took over this duty when electricity became reliable and widespread.

It seems that this effort may be just a replication of the AIP work.

..HG.