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Performance Analysis of a Flexi-Fuel Turbine-Combined Free-Piston Engine Generator

Author

Listed:
  • Boru Jia

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

  • Andrew Smallbone

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

  • Rikard Mikalsen

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

  • K.V. Shivaprasad

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

  • Sumit Roy

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

  • Anthony Paul Roskilly

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

Abstract

The turbine-combined free-piston engine generator (TCFPEG) is a hybrid machine, generating both mechanical work from the gas turbine and electricity from the linear electric generator for battery charging. In the present study, the system performance of the designed TCFPEG system is predicted using a validated numerical model. A parametric analysis is undertaken based on the influence of the engine load, valve timing, the number of linear generators adopted, and different fuels on the system performance. It is found that when linear electric generators are connected with the free-piston gas turbine, the bottom dead centre, the peak piston velocity, and engine operation frequency are all reduced. Very minimal difference on the in-cylinder pressure and the compressor pressure is observed, while the peak pressure in the bounce chamber is reduced. When coupled with a linear electric generator, the system efficiency can be improved to nearly 50% by optimising engine load and the number of the linear generators adopted in the TCFPEG system. The system is able to be operated with different fuels as the piston is not limited by a mechanical system; the output power and system efficiency are highest when hydrogen is used as the fuel.

Suggested Citation

  • Boru Jia & Andrew Smallbone & Rikard Mikalsen & K.V. Shivaprasad & Sumit Roy & Anthony Paul Roskilly, 2019. "Performance Analysis of a Flexi-Fuel Turbine-Combined Free-Piston Engine Generator," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(14), pages 1-22, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:12:y:2019:i:14:p:2657-:d:247379
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jia, Boru & Tian, Guohong & Feng, Huihua & Zuo, Zhengxing & Roskilly, A.P., 2015. "An experimental investigation into the starting process of free-piston engine generator," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 157(C), pages 798-804.
    2. Zhang, Shuanlu & Zhao, Changlu & Zhao, Zhenfeng, 2015. "Stability analysis of hydraulic free piston engine," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 157(C), pages 805-813.
    3. Jia, Boru & Smallbone, Andrew & Mikalsen, Rikard & Feng, Huihua & Zuo, Zhengxing & Roskilly, Anthony Paul, 2017. "Disturbance analysis of a free-piston engine generator using a validated fast-response numerical model," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 185(P1), pages 440-451.
    4. 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.
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    8. 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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