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Research on Piston Dynamics and Engine Performances of a Free-Piston Engine Linear Generator Coupling with Various Rebound Devices

Author

Listed:
  • Chendong Guo

    (College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Information Science and Technology University, Beijing 100192, China
    School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China)

  • Yahui Wang

    (College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Information Science and Technology University, Beijing 100192, China)

  • Liang Tong

    (College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Information Science and Technology University, Beijing 100192, China)

  • Huihua Feng

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

  • Zhengxing Zuo

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

  • Boru Jia

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
    Department of Engineering, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, UK)

Abstract

Free-piston engine linear generators (FPELGs) are an innovative linear power device that exhibits the distinctive dynamics of pistons and performance of free-piston engines. Furthermore, the single-cylinder/single-piston FPELG structure type has more advantages than other FPELG structure types, including a straightforward structure and ease of control. However, when coupled with various rebound devices, the operational characteristics and piston and engine performance of single-cylinder/single-piston FPELGs are quite different. Therefore, this paper aims to quantitatively compare the dynamics of the piston and engine performance of single-cylinder/single-piston FPELGs coupled with various types of rebound device. The results indicate that when the equivalent stiffness of the gas spring is greater than that of the mechanical spring, the operating frequency of the piston of the FPELG coupled with a gas spring will be higher than that when coupled with a mechanical spring. During the compression stroke, the piston velocity of a FPELG coupled with a mechanical spring changes linearly, while the piston velocity of a FPELG coupled with a gas spring changes nonlinearly. FPELGs coupled with gas springs have shorter compression and expansion durations compared to those coupled with mechanical springs. In addition, the indicated powers of FPELGs coupled with ideal gas springs and mechanical springs are 1.5 kW and 1.3 kW, respectively. However, due to leakage, the thermal efficiency of a FPELG coupled with an actual gas spring is reduced by approximately 2.5% compared with the FPELG coupled with the ideal gas spring. Furthermore, the operation frequency of the piston is positively correlated with the stiffness of the mechanical spring. In addition, as the stiffness of the mechanical spring increases, the combustion process of the engine becomes close to an isovolumetric process. The changes in piston dynamics and engine performance when increasing the initial gas pressure of the gas spring are similar to those when increasing the stiffness of the mechanical spring.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:18:p:6570-:d:1238347
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    4. Zhou, Yingcong & Sofianopoulos, Aimilios & Gainey, Brian & Lawler, Benjamin & Mamalis, Sotirios, 2019. "A system-level numerical study of a homogeneous charge compression ignition spring-assisted free piston linear alternator with various piston motion profiles," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 239(C), pages 820-835.
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