Dynamic Characteristics and Demonstration of an Integrated Linear Engine Generator with Alternative Electrical Machines

A linear engine generator with a compact double-acting free piston mechanism allows for full integration of the combustion engine and generator, which provides an alternative chemical-to-electrical energy converter with a higher volumetric power density for the electrification of automobiles, trains, and ships. This paper aims to analyse the performance of the integrated engine with alternative permanent magnet linear tubular electrical machine topologies using a coupled dynamic model in Siemens Simcenter software. Two types of alternative generator configurations are compared, namely long translator-short stator and short translator-long stator linear machines. The dynamic models of the linear engine and linear generator, validated with lab-scale prototypes, are applied to investigate the influence of alternative topologies of the generator on system performance. The coupled model will facilitate the early design phase and reveal the optimal match of the key parameters of the engine and generator. Then, experimental tests on an integrated compressor cylinder-generator prototype were successfully performed, and it is shown that this concept is feasible and electrical power and compressed working fluid, such as air, can be generated by this prototype.