An experimental and theoretical investigation of a small, high aspect-ratio, free-piston, two-stroke engine

Chiluwata E. Lungu ^a,b, Mael Disseau ^b,c, Daniel C. Stubbs ^d,*, Jechiel Jagoda ^b, David E. Scarborough ^b,d

a. General Electric Company, Greenville, South Carolina, 29615, USA
         b. Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, 30332, USA
         c. Truett McConnel University, Cleveland, Georgia, 30528, USA
         d. Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, 36849, USA

Abstract: This paper presents a design for a novel, palm sized, high-aspect-ratio engine. To simplify fabrication and keep the device unobtrusive, a design incorporating a two-cycle engine having a flat, rectangular piston with spring return was selected. An experimental engine based on this concept producing a significant amount of useful work was developed. Although results were encouraging, this geometry raised many issues to be investigated and resolved, including the effects of piston sealing, scavenging, heat losses, and combustion efficiency. Due to the complex interplay between these effects, experimental investigation was time consuming and simple models were found to be inadequate. Therefore, a more complex theoretical model accounting for these effects was developed and used to evaluate the sensitivity of engine performance to each of these parameters. The predictions of this model were used to develop recommendations for improving the experimentally developed engine.

Keywords: Micro-combustion; Power generation; Free-piston engine; Internal combustion engine; Palm power