SUMMARY:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering have developed an adaptive camless engine that can manage grid stability at the local level and provide a path towards meeting renewable energy goals.
BACKGROUND:
California has set aggressive renewable energy goals for the power sector which has led to a growth in intermittent supply associated with solar and wind power generation. This growth has faced a significant challenge to compensate for intermittent supply at the local level. Reciprocating engines have provided local backup power when the grid falters, but they have been diesel cycles associated with undesirable emission profiles and little fuel flexibility. The camless engine for power generation can potentially manage grid stability at the local level, but challenges in reliable electronic control and fuel-flexibility occur due to a lack of real-time feedback.
INNOVATION:
Researchers at UCLA have developed an adaptive camless engine that can manage grid stability at the local level and provide a path towards meeting renewable energy goals. The adaptive camless engine increases thermal efficiency at low engine loads, which reduces fuel consumption and lowers the cost of power generation. An instant laser informatic digital output increases engine reliability and system maintenance effectiveness. Engine emissions are constantly and rapidly monitored, allowing emission levels to be maintained within regulatory thresholds. Moreover, the same engine can be used for multiple gas/liquid fuels, and the engine can be attached to multiple gas/liquid fuel sources simultaneously, which allows the engine system to rapidly switch between power generation functions.
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