Oscillating Linear Engine and Alternator
Technology Description:
West Virginia University Research Corporation (WVURC), along with its partners at ANSYS, Inc., Sustainable Engineering, Wilson Works, and Stryke Industries, will develop a CHP generator for residential use based on a two-stroke, spark-ignited free-piston internal combustion engine (ICE). Traditional internal combustion engines use the force generated by the combustion of a fuel (natural gas in this case) to move a piston, transferring chemical energy to mechanical energy, which when used in conjunction with a generator produces electricity. This free-piston design differs from traditional slider-crank ICE models by eliminating the crankshaft and using a spring to increase frequency and stabilize operation. The resulting design is compact with few moving parts and has reduced frictional losses. In place of a traditional alternator, this engine drives a permanent magnet linear electric generator.
Potential Impact:
If successful, West Virginia’s project will facilitate development and commercialization of economical, efficient, and durable CHP systems for residential use. These advancements support progress toward ARPA-E’s overall goals as follows:
Security:
Innovations developed in this project could help households and businesses become more energy self-reliant and less susceptible to energy-related outages through distributed, local generation of power and heat.
Environment:
Widespread adoption of high-efficiency residential CHP systems could decrease overall primary energy consumption and therefore reduce CO2 emissions associated with electricity generation by up to 10%.
Economy:
Cost-effective natural gas-fueled residential CHP systems could offer consumers lower electricity and heating bills.
Contact
ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. David Tew
Project Contact:
Dr. Parviz Famouri
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
Parviz.Famouri@mail.wvu.edu
Related Projects
Release Date:
10/16/2014