Improving the efficiency and reducing the emissions from ubiquitous internal combustion engines (ICEs) is a global challenge. The increasing demand of energy of modern society as well as that of developing countries clashes with the urge for reducing greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions. Electricity generation and ttransportation combined are currently responsible for the emission of over half of all greenhouse gases in the EU , . This is largely due to inefficiencies of traditional “crank-based” ICE designs, which have seen little changes in their design since their conception back in the late 1800s. Even though engine performance has improved over the century through the addition of engine control units (ECUs), which govern the fueling, air and ignition during engine operation, traditional IECs still suffer from high emmissions, low feul efficiency, high maintenance costs, and inflexibility. IntelliGEN20 (IGN20) is the first platform to control piston motion in Smart Engines and produce electrical energy in the range of 20 kWe. IGN20 incorporates two opposed linear electrical machines (e-machines) bearing magnets, coils and two opposed pistons that move linearly towards a central fuel combustion chamber. The movement of the pistons is propelled by the fuel ignition in the chamber and consequent interaction of magnets and coils in the e-machine produces electrical power. The innovation is given by state-of-the-art motion control hardware and proprietary adaptive learning software algorithms which finely tune piston motion to adapt to different fuels, including renewable and low carbon fuels (e.g. bio-ethanol and LPG), as well as petrol and diesel. IGN20 delivers 30-50% higher fuel-to-power ratio, resulting in carbon emissions cut by up to 70%, and negligible harmful NOx emissions. That 20 kWe scale of electricity generated is sufficient to assist battery charge in hybrid power systems such as hybrid vehicles and off-grid telecommunication towers. The fewer moving parts determine reduced frictional losses and oil-free maintenance. Being modular in conception, the integrated system can be scaled or miniaturised effectively to suit the user application and be manufactured at low cost for global markets. It is finally possible to have engines that are cleaner, cheaper, more efficient and more flexible than conventional ICEs. Libertine’s ground-breaking linear power systems offer the solution to precisely controlling the motion of the piston, opening a huge range of applications in mobile and static power generation. The overall objectives of the project were to develop and establish define a mvp and establish a sound product development plan. This would be concluded by planning the in field demonstration in a relevant environment to validate the engineering upgrades which were defined during the project.
