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Disturbance analysis of a free-piston engine generator using a validated fast-response numerical model

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Boru Jia, Dr Andrew SmallboneORCiD, Dr Rikard Mikalsen, Professor Tony Roskilly

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).


Abstract

In this paper, a fast-response numerical model was used to investigate potential disturbances to a free piston engine generator (FPEG), i.e. engine cycle-to-cycle variations, misfire and immediate electric load change. During the engine operation, there could be one disturbance taking place or several disturbances take place simultaneously. By identifying different types of system disturbance with specific occurring times, the influence on the system was characterised. It was found that a step change of electric load would induce a corresponding top dead centre (TDC) step change. Low variations on piston TDC are observed when cycle-to-cycle variations take place. When unsuccessful ignition occurs, the engine will stop after one oscillation cycle. Reducing the electric load after misfire would cause more oscillation cycles and require a restart of the engine. Technically feasible control variables were identified and coupled with a PI feedback controller design to minimise the impact of each kind of disturbance, a design which could be used in future FPE control system designs. The controller performance was seen to be satisfactory for the electric load step change, and the piston TDC was controlled to back to the set point in 0.5 s.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Jia BR, Smallbone A, Mikalsen R, Feng HH, Zuo ZX, Roskilly AP

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Applied Energy

Year: 2017

Volume: 185

Issue: Part 1

Pages: 440-451

Print publication date: 01/01/2017

Online publication date: 10/11/2016

Acceptance date: 16/10/2016

Date deposited: 30/01/2017

ISSN (print): 0306-2619

ISSN (electronic): 1872-9118

Publisher: Elsevier Science Ltd.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2016.10.143

DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2016.10.143

Data Access Statement: http://dx.doi.org/10.17634/123306-1


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Funding

Funder referenceFunder name
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC
EP/K503885/1EPSRC

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