development of a Free-Piston Linear Generator for use in an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle

Abstract

This paper presents the development methodology of the Free-Piston Linear Generator. The FPLG is a free-piston combustion engine with an integrated linear generator. The engine can be used as a range-extending device in an electric vehicle. A systematic development approach for the FPLG is presented consisting of three basic steps. The fully variable experimental apparatus being used for testing the single FPLG-subsystems and the FPLG-system is described. In order to achieve robust operation of the FPLG-system during experimental testing, a hydraulic actuator is implemented to simulate the motion of the free piston.. Despite the use of such an hydraulic actuator, it is shown, that the system can be run in a quasi-autarkic operating mode. Experimental results using this quasi-autarkic operating mode are presented. Based on the results obtained, the further develoment of the FPLG towars a fully-autarkic operating mode without a hydraulic actuator can be tackled.