Free-Piston Linear Generator With Hydraulic Motion Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear electric generators face inefficiencies due to component friction and maintenance needs, particularly in mechanisms with multiple moving parts, which reduces their operational lifespan and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A free-piston linear electric generator design utilizing an incompressible fluid as a flexible liquid connecting rod to transfer mechanical motion, allowing for a longer oscillator stroke and increased power output without the need for mechanical connecting rods, thus reducing friction and energy losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If multiple moving components are used in the generator, then the mechanical motion transfer is achieved, but the friction between components increases causing energy losses and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional mechanical connecting rods and other intermediate mechanical components from the system. The piston is directly connected to the oscillator, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages that cause friction and energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical connecting rod system with a direct mechanical connection between the piston and oscillator. This substitution eliminates the mechanical friction inherent in traditional connecting rod mechanisms while maintaining the motion transfer function.
2Reliability
If traditional mechanical connecting rods are used to transfer motion from piston to oscillator, then the motion transfer is achieved, but the component wear and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the mechanical connecting rod from the system entirely. By directly connecting the piston to the oscillator, it eliminates the intermediate component that would require maintenance and replacement due to wear.
3Power
If the expansion stroke is kept short, then the device complexity is reduced, but the oscillator stroke and power output are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rebound mechanism that dynamically extends the oscillator stroke beyond the expansion stroke length. The oscillator continues its motion after the expansion stroke completes, utilizing the rebound effect to achieve a longer total stroke and increased power output without increasing device complexity.
4Power
If high-pressure fluid is used to increase power output, then the power generation increases, but the energy losses and component stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical connecting rod system with a direct piston-oscillator connection, eliminating mechanical friction and energy losses. This substitution allows for more efficient power transfer at lower pressures, reducing component stress while maintaining power output.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design enhances power output by elongating the oscillator's stroke and increasing operating frequency while minimizing energy waste and component wear, allowing for efficient operation with low-pressure fluids and reduced maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one fluid chamber that comprises incompressible fluid, wherein said fluid chamber is the void between the edge of the expansion piston closer to the electric power-generating pistons and the electric power-generating pistons themselves. The incompressible fluid acts as a liquid connecting rod that transfers the linear motion from the expansion chamber to the oscillator.
Implementation Method 2
Alternators utilize induction to generate electricity. It is known, for example, to generate electric current utilizing relative motion between permanent magnets and windings (i.e., coils) of electrically conductive wire to generate current.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to a linear electric generator, comprising: at least one intake port; at least one expansion chamber, and at least one expansion piston; at least one central cylinder; at least two reduced cylinders, wherein the diameter of said reduced cylinders is smaller than the diameter of the central cylinder, and wherein each reduced cylinder comprises a partition; at least one electric power-generating set of pistons, wherein each piston of said set of pistons is located inside the central cylinder and is suitable to linearly move inside the inner void of a reduced cylinders through the partitions of the reduced cylinders, and wherein each said piston is connected to an oscillator; at least one fluid chamber suitable to comprise incompressible fluid, wherein said fluid chamber is the void between the edge of the expansion piston closer to the electric power-generating pistons and the electric power-generating pistons themselves; at least two sets of magnets, wherein each set of magnets is attached to an oscillator; at least two end sections that comprise coil windings; and at least one outlet port, suitable to allow the evacuation of fluids from said expansion chamber. The invention also refers to a method for energy transformation.