Comprehensive computational model of a pneumatic propulsion system with interconnected components

The purpose of this study is to develop a comprehensive computational model for a pneumatic propulsion system (PPS) consisting of interconnected series pneumatic components, such as a compressed air receiver, air control valves, and air actuators. The proposed comprehensive computational model of the PPS was designed to calculate the traction parameters of mechanically assisted systems for all categories of cycles, such as bicycles, tricycles, and quadricycles, which are typically powered by human muscles. The comprehensive computational model of a PPS includes models of its individual components interconnected in series, that is, a compressed air tank (CAT), air valve (AV) block, air motor (AM), or air cylinder (AC). The computational model of CAT considers the instantaneous expansion of air during its discharge process through the AV block with series-connected valves. The computational model of the AV block considers the compound values of the flow parameters, such as the sonic conductance and the critical pressure
ratio, in the mass flow rate under choked and subsonic conditions. The AM computational model considered catalog parameters, measurement parameters, torque and power characteristics, and calculated parameters such as operating pressure using air expansion power. The comprehensive PPS model was applied to select the traction parameters of an air tricycle bike (ATB) designed for adults, seniors, and disabled people.