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A Decoupled Design Parameter Analysis for Free-Piston Engine Generators

Author

Listed:
  • Boru Jia

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
    Sir Joseph Swan Centre for Energy Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK)

  • Zhengxing Zuo

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China)

  • Andrew Smallbone

    (Sir Joseph Swan Centre for Energy Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK)

  • Huihua Feng

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China)

  • Anthony Paul Roskilly

    (Sir Joseph Swan Centre for Energy Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK)

Abstract

The free-piston engine generator (FPEG) is a novel power generation device with an estimated brake efficiency (energy contained in the fuel that is transformed into useful work) of up to 46%, compared to the 25–35% reported in conventional reciprocating engines. This paper seeks to address a major challenge in the development of new and complex technologies—how do we effectively communicate and understand the influence of key design parameters on its operating performance? In this paper, the FPEG is described using a simple numerical model, a model which is reduced to a forced mass-spring vibration system under external excitation, enabling all the major input parameters to be decoupled. It proved that the engine piston position as a function of time and output power could be predicted directly from the input parameters with acceptable accuracy. The influence of the key FPEG design parameters on the piston oscillation characteristics and electric power output can be characterised with respect to one another and summarised. Key design parameters include piston mass, compression stroke length, piston cross sectional area, and electric load. Compared with previous and more complex numerical models, the presented methods can be used to simply describe the sensitivity of key design parameters on the FPEG performance. It will provide useful general guidance for the FPEG hardware design process.

Suggested Citation

  • Boru Jia & Zhengxing Zuo & Andrew Smallbone & Huihua Feng & Anthony Paul Roskilly, 2017. "A Decoupled Design Parameter Analysis for Free-Piston Engine Generators," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-14, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:10:y:2017:i:4:p:486-:d:94952
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Huihua Feng & Yu Song & Zhengxing Zuo & Jiao Shang & Yaodong Wang & Anthony Paul Roskilly, 2015. "Stable Operation and Electricity Generating Characteristics of a Single-Cylinder Free Piston Engine Linear Generator: Simulation and Experiments," Energies, MDPI, vol. 8(2), pages 1-21, January.
    2. Feng, Huihua & Guo, Chendong & Yuan, Chenheng & Guo, Yuyao & Zuo, Zhengxing & Roskilly, Anthony Paul & Jia, Boru, 2016. "Research on combustion process of a free piston diesel linear generator," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 161(C), pages 395-403.
    3. Chiang, Chia-Jui & Yang, Jing-Long & Lan, Shao-Ya & Shei, Tsung-Wei & Chiang, Wen-Shu & Chen, Bo-Liang, 2013. "Dynamic modeling of a SI/HCCI free-piston engine generator with electric mechanical valves," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 336-346.
    4. Jia, Boru & Mikalsen, Rikard & Smallbone, Andrew & Zuo, Zhengxing & Feng, Huihua & Roskilly, Anthony Paul, 2016. "Piston motion control of a free-piston engine generator: A new approach using cascade control," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 179(C), pages 1166-1175.
    5. Jia, Boru & Zuo, Zhengxing & Feng, Huihua & Tian, Guohong & Smallbone, Andrew & Roskilly, A.P., 2016. "Effect of closed-loop controlled resonance based mechanism to start free piston engine generator: Simulation and test results," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 164(C), pages 532-539.
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Sindhu Preetham Burugupally & Leland Weiss, 2018. "Power Generation via Small Length Scale Thermo-Mechanical Systems: Current Status and Challenges, a Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-22, August.
    2. Ngwaka, Ugochukwu & Jia, Boru & Lawrence, Christopher & Wu, Dawei & Smallbone, Andrew & Roskilly, Anthony Paul, 2019. "The characteristics of a Linear Joule Engine Generator operating on a dry friction principle," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 237(C), pages 49-59.

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