Minimizing power pulsations in a free piston energy converter

A free piston energy converter (FPEC) is a combination of a linear combustion engine and a linear electrical machine. This type of converter has many potential advantages like high efficiency, low fuel consumption and low emissions, which make it suitable for a series hybrid vehicle. However, the generated power pulsates due to the reciprocating motion of the translator. This paper presents a comparative study on how different generator force profiles affect the electric power pulsations produced by the FPEC. In addition, the influence of these profiles on translator motion and the needed power converter current is investigated. A dynamic free piston model is used for the investigation. Results show that the generator force profile has a major impact on the power pulsation amplitude and peak current demand. Thus the chosen force profile affects dimensioning of power converter, electrical machine and energy storage. Furthermore, loading the translator heavily in the beginning or end of the stroke seems to affect the peak translator velocity more than evenly distributed load profiles.