Modeling and Simulation of a Magnetic Reciprocating Engine

This research analyses the dynamic response of a single-cylinder magnetic reciprocating engine (MRE) and the mathematical model formulation with experimental validation. In efforts to reduce the pollution generated by internal combustion engines (ICE), the MREs have emerged as an alternative to this problem. An MRE uses the ICE structure and replaces fossil fuels with magnetic fields to work with the principle of magnetic repulsion between an electromagnet and a permanent magnet. The work focuses on determining the correct angles of when to energize the electromagnet based on the angular position of the crankshaft concerning the top dead center (TDC) of the engine to generate the magnetic repulsion and obtain the highest possible speed in the engine as in the ICE. The experimental results indicate that the energization angle should be between 45° and 55° before the TDC for generating the highest engine velocity. Using the energization angle of 55° before the TDC allows the engine’s velocities to be between 836 RPM and 840 RPM, and the mathematical model shows a goodness of fit (FIT) of 81.21% throughout its dynamics with the experimental comparison. The present work demonstrates the mathematical model’s ability to represent the MRE’s experimental dynamics and how the magnetic force is formulated and integrated with the mechanical analysis of the engine.