Skip to main content
Log in

Sensitivity and effect of key operational parameters on performance of a dual-cylinder free-piston engine generator

双缸型自由活塞内燃发电机关键运行参数的性能影响特性及敏感度分析

  • The 2nd World Congress on Internal Combustion Engines
  • Published:
Journal of Central South University Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The free-piston engine generator (FPEG) is regarded as the next generation of energy conversion system which may replace traditional engines in the future. The effect of key operational parameters like excess air ratio of input mixture and ignition position on the engine performance of a dual-cylinder FPEG was investigated, and their sensitivity was analyzed in this paper. The operating compression ratio of the system is susceptible to changes in excess air ratio and ignition position. At the same time, it decreases from 15.8 to 6.6 when excess air ratio increases from 0.85 to 1.15, but it increases from 6.1 to 13.3 as ignition position increases from 15 mm to 20 mm. The operating frequency and indicated power are more sensitive to changes in excess air ratio than ignition position. But it is the opposite for the indicated thermal efficiency and friction loss. Excess air ratio and ignition position have a quite similar influence on heat transfer. Therefore, from the perspective of system operation and performance, it is preferable to keep excess air coefficient slightly below 1.0. In contrast, when selecting ignition position, it is of great importance to comprehensively consider the risk of structural damage caused by the increase in the compression ratio and in-cylinder gas pressure.

摘要

自由活塞内燃发电机(FPEG)被视为未来可以取代传统内燃机的新一代能量转换装置。本文研究了自由活塞内燃发电机的关键运行参数如过量空气系数及点火位置对FPEG系统性能的影响规律并对相关参数进行敏感性分析。仿真结果显示系统运行压缩比对过量空气系数及点火位置的变化十分敏感,当过量空气系数从0.85 增加到1.15 时,系统运行压缩比从15.8 下降到6.6,而当点火位置从15 mm增加到20 mm时,系统运行压缩比从6.1 增加到13.3。系统运行频率对过量空气系数的变化更为敏感,但系统指示热效率和摩擦损失则对点火位置的变化更加敏感,传热损失对过量空气系数和点火位置的变化敏感度接近。为了维持系统稳定高效运行,过量空气系数应维持在略低于1.0 的状态,并且在选择点火位置时,需要考虑缸内压力升高所带来的重要部件结构损坏的风险。

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. MIKALSEN R, ROSKILLY A P. A review of free-piston engine history and applications [J]. Applied Thermal Engineering, 2007, 27(14–15): 2339–2352. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2007.03.015.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. JIA Bo-ru, MIKALSEN R, SMALLBONE A, et al. A study and comparison of frictional losses in free-piston engine and crankshaft engines [J]. Applied Thermal Engineering, 2018, 140: 217–224. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2018.05.018.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. JIA Bo-ru, SMALLBONE A, ZUO Zheng-xing, et al. Design and simulation of a two- or four-stroke free-piston engine generator for range extender applications [J]. Energy Conversion and Management, 2016, 111: 289–298. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2015.12.063.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. HANIPAH M R, MIKALSEN R, ROSKILLY A P. Recent commercial free-piston engine developments for automotive applications [J]. Applied Thermal Engineering, 2015, 75: 493–503. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2014.09.039.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. REN Hao-ling, XIE Hai-bo, YANG Hua-yong, et al. Asymmetric vibration characteristics of two-cylinder four-stroke single-piston hydraulic free piston engine [J]. Journal of Central South University, 2014, 21(10): 3762–3768. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-014-2360-2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. JIA Bo-ru, TIAN Guo-hong, FENG Hui-hua, et al. An experimental investigation into the starting process of free-piston engine generator [J]. Applied Energy, 2015, 157: 798–804. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2015.02.065.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. JIA Bo-ru, SMALLBONE A, MIKALSEN R, et al. Disturbance analysis of a free-piston engine generator using a validated fast-response numerical model [J]. Applied Energy, 2017, 185: 440–451. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2016.10.143.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. LU Jin-kang, XU Zhao-ping, LIU Dong, et al. A starting control strategy of single-cylinder two-stroke free-piston engine generator [J]. Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power, 2020, 142(3): 031020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4045870.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. ZHANG Chen, LI Ke, SUN Zong-xuan. Modeling of piston trajectory-based HCCI combustion enabled by a free piston engine [J]. Applied Energy, 2015, 139: 313–326. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2014.11.007.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. RAHEEM A T, AZIZ A R A, ZULKIFLI S A, et al. Optimisation of operating parameters on the performance characteristics of a free piston engine linear generator fuelled by CNG-H2 blends using the response surface methodology (RSM) [J]. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2022, 47(3): 1996–2016. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.10.125.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. CLARK N, MCDANIEL T, ATKINSON R J, et al. Modeling and development of a linear engine [C]//Proceedings of the Spring Technical Conference of the ASME Internel Combustion Engine Division. Fort Lauderdale, 1998, 30(2): 49–57.

    Google Scholar 

  12. ATKINSON C M, PETREANU S, CLARK N, et al. Numerical simulation of a two-stroke linear engine-alternator combination [C]//SAE Technical Paper Series. 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA, United States: SAE International, 1999: 1416–1430. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4271/1999-01-0921.

    Google Scholar 

  13. JIA Bo-ru, MIKALSEN R, SMALLBONE A, et al. Piston motion control of a free-piston engine generator: A new approach using cascade control [J]. Applied Energy, 2016, 179: 1166–1175. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2016.07.081.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. HANIPAH M. Development of a spark ignition free-piston engine generator [D]. Newcastle: Newcastle University, 2015.

    Google Scholar 

  15. LI Qing-feng. Research on free piston engine generator [D]. Shanghai: Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 2011. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  16. LI Qing-feng, LIU Tao, XIAO Jin, et al. Design of free piston engine ECU based on MC9S12 [J]. Chinese Internal Combustion Engine Engineering, 2011, 32(1): 19–23. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1000-0925.2011.01.004. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  17. MAO Jin-long, ZUO Zheng-xing, FENG Hui-hua. Parameters coupling designation of diesel free-piston linear alternator [J]. Applied Energy, 2011, 88(12): 4577–4589. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2011.05.051.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. MAO Jin-long, ZUO Zheng-xing, LI Wen, et al. Multidimensional scavenging analysis of a free-piston linear alternator based on numerical simulation [J]. Applied Energy, 2011, 88(4): 1140–1152. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2010.10.003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. JIA Bo-ru, ZUO Zheng-xing, TIAN Guo-hong, et al. Development and validation of a free-piston engine generator numerical model [J]. Energy Conversion and Management, 2015, 91: 333–341. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2014.11.054.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. JIA Bo-ru, ZUO Zheng-xing, FENG Hui-hua, et al. Investigation of the starting process of free-piston engine generator by mechanical resonance [J]. Energy Procedia, 2014, 61: 572–577. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2014.11.1173.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. FENG Hui-hua, ZHANG Zhi-yuan, JIA Bo-ru, et al. Investigation of the optimum operating condition of a dual piston type free piston engine generator during engine cold start-up process [J]. Applied Thermal Engineering, 2021, 182: 116124. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2020.116124.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. ZHANG Zhi-yuan, FENG Hui-hua, JIA Bo-ru, et al. Effect of the stroke-to-bore ratio on the performance of a dual-piston free piston engine generator [J]. Applied Thermal Engineering, 2021, 185: 116456. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2020.116456.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. WU Li-min, FENG Hui-hua, ZHANG Zi-wei, et al. Research on starting process and control strategy of opposed-piston free-piston engine generator—Simulation and test results [J]. Energy Reports, 2021, 7: 4977–4987. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2021.07.132.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. LI Jian, ZUO Zheng-xing, JIA Bo-ru, et al. Comparative analysis on friction characteristics between free-piston engine generator and traditional crankshaft engine [J]. Energy Conversion and Management, 2021, 245: 114630. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2021.114630.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. MIKALSEN R, ROSKILLY A P. Coupled dynamic-multidimensional modelling of free-piston engine combustion [J]. Applied Energy, 2009, 86(1): 89–95. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2008.04.012.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. LI Qing-feng, XIAO Jin, HUANG Zhen. Simulation of a two-stroke free-piston engine for electrical power generation [J]. Energy & Fuels, 2008, 22(5): 3443–3449. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/ef800217k.

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  27. BOUCHER J, LANZETTA F, NIKA P. Optimization of a dual free piston Stirling engine [J]. Applied Thermal Engineering, 2007, 27(4): 802–811. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2006.10.021.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. KARABULUT H. Dynamic analysis of a free piston Stirling engine working with closed and open thermodynamic cycles [J]. Renewable Energy, 2011, 36(6): 1704–1709.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. GONG Yan-bo, ZHENG Da-yong, WANG Wei-bin. Performance sensitivity analysis of liquid oxygen/methane rocket engine [J]. Journal of Rocket Propulsion, 2020, 46(1): 60–68. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3969/jissn1672-9374.2020.01.008. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  30. LI Yue, NING Zhi, LYU Ming, et al. Evaluation of key engine technology based on fuel economy [J]. Vehicle Engine, 2019, 244(5): 8–15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-2222.2019.05.002. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  31. ABDOLLAHIPOUR A, SOLTANIAN H, POURMAZAHERI Y, et al. Sensitivity analysis of geomechanical parameters affecting a wellbore stability [J]. Journal of Central South University, 2019, 26(3): 768–778. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-019-4046-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. ZOU Xiang, GAO Guang-jun, DONG Hai-peng, et al. Crushing analysis and multi-objective optimization of bitubular hexagonal columns with ribs [J]. Journal of Central South University, 2017, 24(5): 1164–1173. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-017-3519-4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Contributions

The overarching research goals were developed by ZHANG Zhi-yuan, FENG Hui-hua, ZUO Zheng-xing and JIA Bo-ru. ZHANG Zhi-yuan and JIA Bo-ru established the models and analyzed the measured data. ZHANG Zhi-yuan and FENG Hui-hua analyzed the calculated results. The initial draft of the manuscript was written by ZHANG Zhi-yuan and JIA Bo-ru. All authors replied to reviewers’ comments and revised the final version.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hui-hua Feng  (冯慧华).

Additional information

Conflict of interest

ZHANG Zhi-yuan, FENG Hui-hua, JIA Bo-ru and ZUO Zheng-xing declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Foundation item: Projects(51675043, 52005038) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Zhang, Zy., Feng, Hh., Jia, Br. et al. Sensitivity and effect of key operational parameters on performance of a dual-cylinder free-piston engine generator. J. Cent. South Univ. 29, 2101–2111 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-022-5088-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-022-5088-4

Key words

关键词

Navigation