Free-Piston Engine for Generating Combined Heat and Power
First Claim
1. A free-piston engine for generation of combined heat and power comprising:
- two opposed pistons arranged in an elongated cylinder having at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port with uniflow scavenging;
a synchronizing linkage between the two opposed pistons;
a connection from each of the two pistons to a two stage hydraulic pump and to an air-filled bounce chamber; and
whereinsaid engine uses homogeneous charge compression ignition, very high compression ratio and lean fuel to air ratio.
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Abstract
An apparatus is provided for generation of combined heat and power comprising an engine configured in a free-piston arrangement comprising two opposed pistons arranged in an elongated cylinder having at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port with uniflow scavenging, an electricity generator, means for harnessing heat and means for transmitting load from the engine to the electricity generator. The engine is configured to operate at close to constant volume combustion, high compression ratio, a lean fuel to air ratio and uses homogeneous charge compression ignition. The engine further comprises a synchronizing mechanical or hydraulic linkage between said two opposed pistons. A method for generating combined heat and power and a method for configuring apparatus for generating combined heat and power are also provided.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A free-piston engine for generation of combined heat and power comprising:
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two opposed pistons arranged in an elongated cylinder having at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port with uniflow scavenging; a synchronizing linkage between the two opposed pistons; a connection from each of the two pistons to a two stage hydraulic pump and to an air-filled bounce chamber; and
whereinsaid engine uses homogeneous charge compression ignition, very high compression ratio and lean fuel to air ratio. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. Apparatus for generation of combined heat and power comprising:
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an engine configured in a free-piston arrangement comprising two opposed pistons arranged in an elongated cylinder having at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port with uniflow scavenging, wherein each of said two pistons is connected to an air-filled bounce chamber; a synchronizing linkage between said two opposed pistons; an electricity generator; a hydraulic transmission from the engine to the electricity generator; and means for harnessing heat;
whereinsaid engine uses homogeneous charge compression ignition, very high compression ratio and lean fuel to air ratio. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for generating combined heat and power comprising the following steps:
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(i) configuring a free-piston engine having two opposed pistons arranged in an elongated cylinder having at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port and uniflow scavenging; (ii) mixing fuel with air as it flows through said at least one inlet port; (iii) using said engine to convert the fuel energy into mechanical work; (iv) hydraulically transmitting the energy to an electricity generator; (v) generating electricity by means of a rotary alternator; (vi) harnessing heat by means of an exhaust heat exchanger and engine and generator cooling, wherein said engine is configured to operate at close to constant volume combustion, high compression ratio and lean fuel to air ratio. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification