Powered Surfboard: Mounting HPA Tank & Turbo Tunnel Fin

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of mounting a high-pressure air (HPA) tank on a surfboard to assist paddling through a ducted fan prop and Turbo Tunnel fin. Participants explore the theoretical and practical aspects of this concept, including thrust generation and performance expectations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using a HPA tank mounted on a surfboard to provide thrust for paddling assistance, noting the tank's weight and capacity.
  • Another participant suggests conducting basic research to determine feasibility, raising questions about operational speed, drag force, desired acceleration, required thrust force, and air mass flow rate.
  • A question is posed regarding whether the air would be used to provide a reaction force or if a small air motor would be employed instead.
  • A reference is made to a Mythbusters episode where compressed air tanks were tested on a speedboat, which reportedly did not succeed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of skepticism about the feasibility of the proposed idea, with no consensus reached on its practicality or effectiveness.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for specific calculations regarding speed, drag, and thrust, indicating that assumptions about energy density and thrust duration may limit the device's usability.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in experimental surfboard designs, propulsion systems, or those exploring innovative applications of high-pressure air systems may find this discussion relevant.

malonui
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Hi out there, here is my question to those in the know... I want to mount a HPA High Pressure Air tank on the deck of a surfboard and by way of a regulator and inline control valve direct the air through a ducted fan prop and out near the tail of the board hopefully giving enough thrust to power assist paddling. The tank is light ..2.5 lbs and holds 68 C.I at 4500 PSI. The outlet is directed through a Turbo Tunnel fin which is a standard longboard fin with a a cowling type unit integrated into the design. The ID of the Turbo Tunnel is around 40mm. This idea is not to expect power boat performance however would like to think small high pressure bursts would assist a surfer in getting out in difficult sections. Any suggestions to achieve the best result given the info provided would be greatly appreciated
 
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malonui said:
Any suggestions to achieve the best result given the info provided would be greatly appreciated

I'd do some basic research to check feasibility, you need answers to theses sorts of questions:

At what speed/s will it be used?
What is the drag force at theses speed/s?
What acceleration do you want?
What is the thrust force required for this acceleration?
What is the air mass flow rate for this acceleration?

Off the top of my head I would guess your energy density is far to low for a usable device (unless a few seconds of thrust per fill is acceptable) but I'd like to be proved wrong, it's an interesting idea.
 
Would you use the air to provide reaction force or were you planning to drive a small air motor?
 

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