COMPACT, HIGH-EFFICIENCY INTEGRATED RESONANT POWER SYSTEMS

摘要

A compact, high output free-piston engine is described. The engine can be configured in radial and other configurations to increase energy density. The engine can comprise one or more pairs of opposed pistons. One piston can be used to derive work via internal combustion or an external heat source. The opposing piston can be disposed in a cylinder of fixed or variable volume to act as an air spring. In the configuration, the two pistons can act as a spring-mass system with a natural, or resonant, frequency. The one or more pairs of pistons can be coupled to a driveshaft using a one-way clutch to convert the reciprocal translations of the two pistons into rotary movement. The engine can be coupled to an advanced, highly efficient electrical generator to provide for the efficient localized production of electricity.