Posted on 04/18/2023 12:02:46 PM PDT by Twotone
Scientists at Stanford University's Advanced Energy Systems Laboratory have developed what appears to be a miracle generator that can run on pretty much any fuel source. Called a linear generator, this ultimate flexi-fuel generator might be the "holy grail" of generators for many industries.
The product of 14 years of development, this generator is a genuine breakthrough as it can handle and switch between different fuel sources on the fly without losing power. While that might sound like science fiction, it is, in fact, very much a reality. It also has few moving parts, doesn't require lubrication, and produces very few, if any, emissions.
“The linear generator can quickly switch between different types of green—and no-so-green, if need be—fuel, including biogas, ammonia, and hydrogen,” explained Matt Svrcek, Mainspring Energy co-founder, in an IEEE Spectrum article. “It has the potential to make the decarbonized power system available, reliable, and resilient against the vagaries of weather and fuel supplies,” he added.
So, how does this fantastic generator work? While a Stanford student, Svrcek worked on a project to transform chemical-bond energy into a more macro-scale, usable form. The earliest concepts used air and fuel in a confined chamber with movable walls. These walls compressed the fuel-air mixture as they traveled in opposite directions, causing the molecules to clash quickly and violently until they broke apart and reformed into other molecules. According to Svrcek, this method releases energy in chemical bonds without a spark or ignition source.
(Excerpt) Read more at interestingengineering.com ...
“My issue is with the keywords “Low Temp” and “No Exhaust””
Maybe cold fusion!
Well they specifically mention that the center cylinder draws in fuel and air. I could see this configuration working on a double linear Stirling cycle. But that would require heat applied to the outside of the center cylinder, and it would not require any fuel added to the intake.
Ok, I figured it out. They are wording it deceptively. It DOES have a combustion cycle, it just does not require a spark plug ignition source. Just like a regular diesel, it self ignites from compression heat.
“Ok, I figured it out.”
Good figgering I think. What’s new about the Mainspring device given other postings showing the same concept from years ago?
The only difference I can see are the bearings and the over all configuration. In that older Generator the Generator coils are on the outside ends. And on this one they are reversed with the air springs on the outside ends. And the bearings are “Air Bearings” which are much better than old school Rod/Bushing designs.
So same exact concept, nothing new about the concept. But the configuration is better and the bearings are better. Just small improvements on an old design, nothing revolutionary like they present it. But it sure isn’t flameless or emissionless.
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