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A review of free-piston linear engines

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  • Hung, Nguyen Ba
  • Lim, Ocktaeck

Abstract

Unlike conventional internal combustion engines, a free-piston linear engine has no a crankshaft, and thus the pistons move freely in the cylinder. This allows a free-piston linear engine to easily adjust the compression ratio and optimize the combustion process. Free-piston linear engines include two main parts: a free-piston engine and a linear alternator. The free-piston engine is classified into three main types: single piston, dual piston, and opposed piston. The linear alternator is generally categorized as flat-type or tubular-type. Free-piston linear engines can operate with multi-fuel and HCCI combustion because of their variable compression ratios. Furthermore, they are used to generate the electric power applied in hybrid electric vehicles. To promote understanding of the unique features of free-piston linear engines, this paper presents a review of their different designs and operating characteristics. We also discuss the varied experimental systems and applications of free-piston linear engines.

Suggested Citation

  • Hung, Nguyen Ba & Lim, Ocktaeck, 2016. "A review of free-piston linear engines," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 178(C), pages 78-97.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:178:y:2016:i:c:p:78-97
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2016.06.038
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    4. Xuezhen Wang & Feixue Chen & Renfeng Zhu & Guilin Yang & Chi Zhang, 2018. "A Review of the Design and Control of Free-Piston Linear Generator," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-21, August.
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    7. Li, Jian & Zuo, Zhengxing & Liu, Wenzhen & Jia, Boru & Feng, Huihua & Wang, Wei & Smallbone, Andrew & Roskilly, Anthony Paul, 2023. "Generating performance of a tubular permanent magnet linear generator for application on free-piston engine generator prototype with wide-ranging operating parameters," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 278(C).
    8. Ahsan Bashir & Saiful A. Zulkifli & Abd Rashid Abd Aziz & Ezrann ZZ Abidin, 2021. "Impact of Combustion Variance on Sustainability of Free-Piston Linear Generator during Steady-State Generation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-21, July.
    9. Chin-Hsiang Cheng & Surender Dhanasekaran, 2023. "Cogging Force Reduction and Profile Smoothening Methods for a Slot-Spaced Permanent Magnet Linear Alternator," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-24, August.
    10. Zhao, Xiaohuan & Liu, Fang & Wang, Chunhua, 2022. "Effects of different piston combustion chamber heights on heat transfer and energy conversion performance enhancement of a heavy-duty truck diesel engine," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 249(C).
    11. Chen, Ruihua & Zhao, Ruikai & Deng, Shuai & Zhao, Li & Xu, Weicong, 2021. "A cycle research methodology for thermo-chemical engines: From ideal cycle to case study," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 228(C).
    12. Chin-Hsiang Cheng & Surender Dhanasekaran, 2022. "Design of a Slot-Spaced Permanent Magnet Linear Alternator Based on Numerical Analysis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-22, June.
    13. Zhang, Zhiyuan & Feng, Huihua & He, Hongwen & Jia, Boru & Zuo, Zhengxing & Liu, Chang & Smallbone, Andrew & Roskilly, Anthony Paul, 2023. "Demonstration of a single/dual cylinder free-piston engine generator prototype: Milestone achieved on system stability," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 278(PA).
    14. Li, Jian & Yang, Fubin & Zhang, Hongguang & Wu, Zhong & Tian, Yaming & Hou, Xiaochen & Xu, Yonghong & Ren, Jing, 2020. "Comparative analysis of different valve timing control methods for single-piston free piston expander-linear generator via an orthogonal experimental design," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 195(C).
    15. Chin-Hsiang Cheng & Surender Dhanasekaran, 2021. "Numerical Analysis and Parametric Study of a 7 kW Tubular Permanent Magnet Linear Alternator," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-15, June.
    16. Gen Chen & Ugochukwu Ngwaka & Dawei Wu & Mingqiang Li, 2024. "Performance and Emission Optimisation of an Ammonia/Hydrogen Fuelled Linear Joule Engine Generator," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-21, March.
    17. Yuan, Chenheng & Liu, Yang & Han, Cuijie & He, Yituan, 2019. "An investigation of mixture formation characteristics of a free-piston gasoline engine with direct-injection," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 173(C), pages 626-636.
    18. Guo, Chendong & Zuo, Zhengxing & Feng, Huihua & Jia, Boru & Roskilly, Tony, 2020. "Review of recent advances of free-piston internal combustion engine linear generator," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 269(C).
    19. Xu, Han & Weng, Chunsheng & Gao, Jian & Yao, Chunde, 2020. "The effect of energy intensification on the formation of severe knock in internal combustion engines," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 266(C).
    20. Chi Zhang & Feixue Chen & Long Li & Zhaoping Xu & Liang Liu & Guilin Yang & Hongyuan Lian & Yingzhong Tian, 2018. "A Free-Piston Linear Generator Control Strategy for Improving Output Power," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-21, January.
    21. Chendong Guo & Yahui Wang & Liang Tong & Huihua Feng & Zhengxing Zuo & Boru Jia, 2023. "Research on Piston Dynamics and Engine Performances of a Free-Piston Engine Linear Generator Coupling with Various Rebound Devices," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-20, September.

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