Fabrication and testing of linear electric generator for use with a free-piston engine

Abstract

Research towards improving the performance of electric generators has become a great interest nowadays. Today, many applications require the generation of electric power without connection to the utility power system. For this purpose, the generator must be efficient, reliable and lightweight. A free-piston generator can fulfill these requirements. With this generation unit, the mechanical energy is transformed into electric power without the use of a crankshaft. This gains significant improvement in efficiency as well as volume and mass reduction. This paper presents a fabrication of a linear electric generator that is capable of generating 5 kW of power. The concept of a free-piston generator and a linear electric generator is reviewed. The design and fabrication processes are also covered. Performance evaluation is discussed as well.