Quote:
Originally Posted by yash101
Just remember: The compressor is a decent-sized motor in charge of storing a ton of energy as compressed gas. Over time, this power builds up until you have stored, for example, 100 watts of energy which you release it within a second! I think that would be:
100w*60s*60m = 360,000 watts per hour are delivered!
THAT IS DANGEROUS!
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I don't mean to pick on you, but I will take this opportunity to explain the importance of understanding your units.
You are correct in saying that the compressor stores energy in the form of compressed gas, but it isn't stored as power.
Power is a measurement of energy transferred per unit of time. One Watt is equal to one Joule of energy per second. As the compressor operates, it converts electrical potential energy into mechanical energy (by compressing air) and heat. If It does this at 12 volts and 15 Amps, It would be running at 12*15, or 180 watts. If it runs for 1 hour, It converts 180 Watt-hours of energy, or 180 * 3600 Joules.
Not all of that is stored, however, since a lot of it is lost as heat while the motor is running. Still, even a fraction 648kJ could be quite lethal if it is released carelessly.