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Design and testing of a spring-actuated self-starting miniature linear engine generator for portable equipment

Author

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  • Lin, Haitao
  • Jia, Boru
  • Wei, Yidi
  • Liu, Chang
  • Li, Jian
  • Ren, Peirong
  • Feng, Huihua

Abstract

To address the endurance challenges of portable equipment, a novel self-starting miniature linear engine generator (MLEG) configuration is proposed, employing a spring as the sole rebound and starting mechanism. To achieve coordinated design between the engine and spring, an engine–spring parameter matching method (ESPMM) is established for this new configuration. A prototype miniature linear engine generator was fabricated and tested to validate the proposed configuration and matching method. Experiments demonstrate that this configuration enables self-starting and self-sustainable operation without the need for linear electric machine (LEM) driving force or auxiliary systems. Validation tests show that the spring design (ESPMM-matched spring) derived from this method delivers superior overall performance, achieving the highest indicated work (0.937 J), with an operating frequency (31.36 Hz) and compression ratio (19.85) closely aligned with design targets, while maintaining stable operation. These results confirm the method's effectiveness. The proposed configuration provides a practical foundation for the rapid design and miniaturization of high-efficiency, self-sustaining miniature linear engine generator systems for portable power applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Lin, Haitao & Jia, Boru & Wei, Yidi & Liu, Chang & Li, Jian & Ren, Peirong & Feng, Huihua, 2026. "Design and testing of a spring-actuated self-starting miniature linear engine generator for portable equipment," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 348(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:348:y:2026:i:c:s0360544226006298
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2026.140526
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