Efficient, Low Emission Generator

This proposed Phase I effort seeks to advance, and demonstrate feasibility of, a patent-pending technology design to address engine-related concerns in small generators as experienced by the Marine Corps and others. The Marine Corps states that small military generators frequently operate at low loads (below maximum mission profile load) and experience wet-stacking and low thermal efficiency. In addition to addressing these issues, the Marine Corps has also expressed its desire to achieve lower emissions and operational capability across a variety of fuels including diesel and JP-8. These areas can be addressed with an innovative concept to modify a 4-cycle engine into a 6-cycle continuous combustion engine. This system uses the piston/cylinder assembly and a unique valve strategy to compress air, transfer air to an insulated combustion chamber, and transfer the high pressure gases back to the piston/cylinder for power extraction. With load following controls, lower emissions, and the complete combustion of fuel inherent within this proposed engine system, Phase I will evaluate the system feasibility through comprehensive thermodynamic analysis, analysis of thermal and pressure losses associated with valve design, and determining design boundaries of the insulated combustion chamber to achieve enhanced combustion without compromising system life or thermal efficiency.