A Zero-Emission Closed-loop linear-Joule CYcle (ZECCY) engine generator
Lead Research Organisation:
Newcastle University
Department Name: Sch of Engineering
Abstract
Over thirty six months, this project aims to demonstrate the potential of a highly disruptive zero emission, high efficiency electricity generator concept for use in transport and power generation applications. A Zero-Emission Closed-loop linear-Joule CYcle (ZECCY) engine generator which yields only liquid water as an emission (i.e. no particulates, or gas phase emissions). As such, it is analogous with hydrogen-fuel cell technology but more lightweight, potentially more efficient and based on a well-established UK manufacturing base.
This project will demonstrate the true potential of this technology for vehicle applications by:
a. Completing the manufacture, assembly and commissioning of a concept demonstrator through the development of an existing test platform
b. Gather the evidence required to advance the project successfully by conducting a robust testing programme underpinned by rigorous simulation and performance improvement.
c. Establish the future case of ZECCY generator technology through the development of a technical and commercial roadmap to deployment.
This project will demonstrate the true potential of this technology for vehicle applications by:
a. Completing the manufacture, assembly and commissioning of a concept demonstrator through the development of an existing test platform
b. Gather the evidence required to advance the project successfully by conducting a robust testing programme underpinned by rigorous simulation and performance improvement.
c. Establish the future case of ZECCY generator technology through the development of a technical and commercial roadmap to deployment.
Planned Impact
The impact of the proposed project will come through the development of Newcastle and Sheffield University's IP in free-piston engines, ZECCY engines, linear generators and associated technologies and establishing the market, applications and the technical evidence base. Evidence of the significantly greater efficiencies compared to the current and projected state-of-the-art will open-up significant opportunities for further research and commercialisation and this will be brought forward through collaborative R&D demonstrators of the technology through H2020, APC and Innovate UK.
Organisations
Publications
Chendong G
(2019)
Parametric analysis of a dual-piston type free-piston gasoline engine linear generator
in Energy Procedia
Guo C
(2020)
Review of recent advances of free-piston internal combustion engine linear generator
in Applied Energy
Guo C
(2018)
Effect of fuel injection characteristics on the performance of a free-piston diesel engine linear generator: CFD simulation and experimental results
in Energy Conversion and Management
Hodgson M
(2021)
The performance and efficiency of novel oxy-hydrogen-argon gas power cycles for zero emission power generation
in Energy Conversion and Management
Jia B
(2018)
Design, modelling and validation of a linear Joule Engine generator designed for renewable energy sources
in Energy Conversion and Management
Jia B
(2018)
A study and comparison of frictional losses in free-piston engine and crankshaft engines
in Applied Thermal Engineering
Jia B
(2018)
Dynamic and thermodynamic characteristics of a linear Joule engine generator with different operating conditions
in Energy Conversion and Management
Jia B
(2019)
Performance Analysis of a Flexi-Fuel Turbine-Combined Free-Piston Engine Generator
in Energies
Li C
(2019)
Application of Miller cycle with turbocharger and ethanol to reduce NOx and particulates emissions from diesel engine - A numerical approach with model validations
in Applied Thermal Engineering
Ngwaka U
(2019)
The characteristics of a Linear Joule Engine Generator operating on a dry friction principle
in Applied Energy
Ngwaka U
(2021)
Evaluation of performance characteristics of a novel hydrogen-fuelled free-piston engine generator
in International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
Smallbone A
(2020)
The impact of disruptive powertrain technologies on energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions from heavy-duty vehicles
in Energy Conversion and Management: X
Smallbone A
(2020)
Realization of a Novel Free-Piston Engine Generator for Hybrid-Electric Vehicle Applications.
in Energy & fuels : an American Chemical Society journal
Wu D
(2019)
A preliminary experimental study on a lab-scale Linear Joule Engine prototype
in Energy Procedia
Zhang Z
(2018)
Research on the engine combustion characteristics of a free-piston diesel engine linear generator
in Energy Conversion and Management
Zhang Z
(2021)
Effect of the stroke-to-bore ratio on the performance of a dual-piston free piston engine generator
in Applied Thermal Engineering
| Description | To improve the cycle performance an intercooler, reheater and regenerator can be included and greatly increases its efficiency. It was found that a hydrogen-helium cycle is more efficient over all pressure ratios but the most expensive to operate. |
| Exploitation Route | Academia can use the outcomes to explore other related thermodynamic power cycles. Further development of the prototype system can be taken forward toward a commercial system with further funding. |
| Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Energy,Transport |