Optimization and Thrust force Calculation of Linear Generator in Starting Mode for Free-Piston Engine Applications

this paper provides a novel method to start the linear engine coupled linear generator from dead stop to its final steady state operation. This method depends mainly to use the linear generator mounted on the shaft of the linear engine to provide the required thrust force to move and oscillate the linear engine from bottom to top dead centers. It is a cost effective approach to start the internal linear combustion engine using its coupled tubular permanent magnet linear generator proposed here. This linear generator operates in this case in motoring mode, providing the required thrust force by feeding this linear generator phases with currents by using a three phase PWM inverter controlled by position feedback scheme. In order to provide the desired thrust force with specific value and direction, a position feedback is required to control the free piston engine motion through controlling the inverter switches using PWM control scheme.