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Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - IntelliGen (Advanced control platform for next generation Free Piston Engines (FPEs) for clean and efficient power generation)

Teaser

Summary

Improving the efficiency and reducing the emissions from ubiquitous internal combustion engines (ICEs) is a global challenge. The increasing demand of energy of modern society as well as that of developing countries clashes with the urge for reducing greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions. Electricity generation and ttransportation combined are currently responsible for the emission of over half of all greenhouse gases in the EU , . This is largely due to inefficiencies of traditional â€œcrank-basedâ€ ICE designs, which have seen little changes in their design since their conception back in the late 1800s. Even though engine performance has improved over the century through the addition of engine control units (ECUs), which govern the fueling, air and ignition during engine operation, traditional IECs still suffer from high emmissions, low feul efficiency, high maintenance costs, and inflexibility. IntelliGEN20 (IGN20) is the first platform to control piston motion in Smart Engines and produce electrical energy in the range of 20 kWe. IGN20 incorporates two opposed linear electrical machines (e-machines) bearing magnets, coils and two opposed pistons that move linearly towards a central fuel combustion chamber. The movement of the pistons is propelled by the fuel ignition in the chamber and consequent interaction of magnets and coils in the e-machine produces electrical power. The innovation is given by state-of-the-art motion control hardware and proprietary adaptive learning software algorithms which finely tune piston motion to adapt to different fuels, including renewable and low carbon fuels (e.g. bio-ethanol and LPG), as well as petrol and diesel. IGN20 delivers 30-50% higher fuel-to-power ratio, resulting in carbon emissions cut by up to 70%, and negligible harmful NOx emissions. That 20 kWe scale of electricity generated is sufficient to assist battery charge in hybrid power systems such as hybrid vehicles and off-grid telecommunication towers. The fewer moving parts determine reduced frictional losses and oil-free maintenance. Being modular in conception, the integrated system can be scaled or miniaturised effectively to suit the user application and be manufactured at low cost for global markets. It is finally possible to have engines that are cleaner, cheaper, more efficient and more flexible than conventional ICEs. Libertineâ€™s ground-breaking linear power systems offer the solution to precisely controlling the motion of the piston, opening a huge range of applications in mobile and static power generation. The overall objectives of the project were to develop and establish define a mvp and establish a sound product development plan. This would be concluded by planning the in field demonstration in a relevant environment to validate the engineering upgrades which were defined during the project.

Work performed

Between 1st of February and 31st of May 2019, Libertine undertook a feasibility study under the SME Instrument to determine the technical and economic viability of IGN20. The assessment confirmed the productâ€™s feasibility. A new market has been identified in the telecommunication tower market in addition to the automotive industry. This market has been set as the first commercialisation channel for the following reasons: a) it is n expansion (CAGR of 17.63% for the forecast period 2019-2025) b) it requires a shorter development path c) it is a low volume industrial application which allows a much more rapid market entry than automotive, and quick returns d) its development path provides a milestone from which development for the automotive application can continue.
The commercialisation plan has been adjusted for this new market. Libertine expects to enter the automotive market in Year 3 of commercialisation. Strategic partnerships have been secured with Brunel University, University of Bath and University of Loughborough who will provide the specifications for the development of OP 3, 4 and the transients. The e-machine behaviour will be adjusted to deliver the appropriate compression ratio for gasoline/ethanol blends or hydrous ethanol and achieve stable HCCI combustion through adjustment of fuel injection and ignition as well as defining the piston motion profile.

Final results

The expected outcome of the project is to successfully execute the market validation and demonstrate that the value of free piston engines for automotive and mobile telecommunications. The highly efficient, low emission, low maintenance, and flexible system will allow up to a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, 50% higher fuel efficiency. The IGN20 P2 development will boost economic growth and create jobs within Libertine.