MAINSPRING ENERGY, INC.

Systems and methods are provided for controlling two or more linear generators each operating according to a repeated behavior to constitute a cycle. A control system utilizes control circuitry to determine a desired phase offset between operation cycles of a first linear generator and a second linear generator of the two or more linear generators. During operation, an actual phase offset between the first linear generator and the second linear generator is determined. The control circuitry of the control system is used to modify the operation of at least one of the first linear generator or the second linear generator to achieve the desired phase effect.

The present disclosure provides a sealing ring assembly having a first ring and a second ring, configured to seal a high-pressure region from a lower pressure region of a piston and cylinder device. Accordingly, the sealing ring assembly includes a high-pressure boundary and a low-pressure boundary. Each ring may be segmented, and the first and second rings interface along a surface. Along the surface at the interface, a groove open to the lower pressure region aids in pressure locking the sealing ring assembly. A pocket in the second ring allows for high pressure gas to aid in balancing radial forces on the sealing ring assembly. As the sealing ring wears, the first and second rings remain engaged with one another.

Systems and methods are provided for controlling two or more linear generators each operating according to a repeated behavior to constitute a cycle. A control system utilizes control circuitry to determine a desired phase offset between operation cycles of a first linear generator and a second linear generator of the two or more linear generators. During operation, an actual phase offset between the first linear generator and the second linear generator is determined. The control circuitry of the control system is used to modify the operation of at least one of the first linear generator or the second linear generator to achieve the desired phase effect.

A sealing ring assembly that includes a plurality of segments that forms a seal against a bore of a cylinder. Each pair of adjacent ring segments of the plurality of ring segments are coupled by a respective flexure therebetween. Each respective flexure causes a radially outward force to cause a respective radially outward surface of respective pairs of the adjacent ring segments to seal against a bore of a cylinder and a tangential force to be applied to the sealing ring assembly.

A linear electromagnetic machine includes a stator, a translator, and a bearing system. The bearing system maintains alignment against lateral displacement of the translator relative to the stator, as the translator reciprocates axially. More particularly, the bearing system maintains a motor air gap between the stator and a magnetic section of the translator. The stator includes a plurality of stator teeth and windings, which form a plurality of phases. The stator teeth and windings are arranged using a hoop stack with spines to form a stator bore and define the motor air gap. The bearing system can include bearing housings that are configured to form a bearing interface with a surface of the translator. The bearing interface can include a contact bearing or a non-contact bearing, such as a gas bearing. Current is controlled in the phases to convert between electrical energy and kinetic energy of the translator.

The present disclosure provides a sealing ring assembly having ring segments configured to seal a high-pressure region from a lower pressure region of a piston and cylinder device. The sing segments are configured to move radially outward and wear during operation of the piston via the cylinder device. The ring segments include, for example, wedge-shaped features that engage with corresponding wedge recesses in the interfaces between ring segments. The sealing ring assembly may include a high-pressure boundary and a low-pressure boundary. As the sealing ring wears, the ring segments stay engaged with the interfaces, so that ring gaps do not form on the low pressure boundary.

An integrated linear generator system includes, for example, a generator assembly, a control system, a frame system, an exhaust system, an intake system, a cooling system, a bearing system, one or more auxiliary systems, or a combination thereof. The generator system is configured to generate power, as controlled by the control system. The generator assembly may include an opposed- and free-piston linear generator, configured to operate on a two-stroke cycle. The intake and exhaust systems are configured to provide reactants to and remove products from the generator assembly, respectively. The cooling system is configured to effect heat transfer, material temperature, or both, of components of the integrated linear generator system. The bearing system is configured to constrain the off-axis motion of translators of the generator assembly without applying significant friction forces. The frame system is configured to manage rigidity, flexibility, and alignment of components of the integrated linear generator system.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards free-piston combustion engines. As described herein, a driver section may be provided in a free-piston combustion engine for storing energy during an expansion stroke. The driver section may be configured to store sufficient energy to perform the subsequent stroke. In some embodiments, the driver section may be configured to store sufficient energy so as to enable the engine to operate continuously across engine cycles without electrical energy input. A linear electromagnetic machine may be provided in a free-piston combustion engine for converting the kinetic energy of a piston assembly into electrical energy.

A linear electromagnetic machine includes a stator, a translator, and a bearing system. The bearing system maintains alignment against lateral displacement of the translator relative to the stator, as the translator reciprocates axially. More particularly, the bearing system maintains a motor air gap between the stator and a magnetic section of the translator. The stator includes a plurality of stator teeth and windings, which form a plurality of phases. The stator teeth and windings are arranged using a hoop stack with spines to form a stator bore and define the motor air gap. The bearing system can include bearing housings that are configured to form a bearing interface with a surface of the translator. The bearing interface can include a contact bearing or a non-contact bearing, such as a gas bearing. Current is controlled in the phases to convert between electrical energy and kinetic energy of the translator.

Various embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a linear generator, comprising: a cylinder having a cylinder wall and a pair of ends, the cylinder including a reaction section disposed in a center portion of the cylinder; a pair of opposed piston assemblies adapted to move linearly within the cylinder, each piston assembly disposed on one side of the reaction section opposite the other piston assembly, each piston assembly including a spring rod and a piston comprising a solid front section adjacent the reaction section and a gas section; and a pair of linear electromagnetic machines adapted to directly convert kinetic energy of the piston assembly into electrical energy, and adapted to directly convert electrical energy into kinetic energy of the piston assembly for providing compression work during the compression stroke.