In the proposed 18-month project, Metapower will enter into a new era of Free Piston Linear Electric technology that maximises flexibility and efficiency. In this project, FPLE Compressor and Generator (FPLEC/G) version in a unique configuration will be developed allowing efficient compression of a wide range of gases suitable for a wide range of applications including the power and process industries, refrigeration, heating & cooling, energy storage and e-mobility. The FPLE configuration proposed simultaneously minimises compression work and energy dissipation via slow gas pressure exchange, thus realising isothermal compression and higher efficiency. In addition, FPLE allows decoupling of the oscillator from the compression piston to further control and optimise compression work, as well as to allow variable compression ratio and thus, desired end gas pressures. Compared to the state-of-art, the projects experimental focus, the FPLEC is designed with a central compression chamber coupled to the opposed compression piston which guarantees dynamic stability while maximising power density and minimizing overall system size. In addition, FPLEC promises a very competitive cost as it is made of standard parts and manufacturing processes as well using fewer parts and raw materials. The project's integrated approach promises a step change in performance over the current state-of-the-art and the concept lends itself to high volume, manufacturing scale economies. Metapower has chosen hydrogen compression as the initial target application for the FPLEC due to the recent and urgent shift towards hydrogen as one of two focal points of clean energy and energy security. This combines well with FPLEC's flexibility to deal with different gases, FPLEG's flexi-fuel capability and with project partner Brunel University's wide experience in compressor/expander and engine research for a range of fuels including a dedicated hydrogen test facility. Metapower has, also, partnered for this project with Yafa, the original concept developer of FPLEG and both companies will directly benefit from the outcome of this project while offering a direct and immediate route-to-market. The key deliverables from the project include system specification; design & simulation; lab testing and model validation of FPLEC through a carefully executed experimental campaign. Modelling work on FPLEG will set the stage for follow-on projects. This approach is key to the development of the FPLE technology and for the characterisation of its huge market potential, resulting in a project that strongly aligns with national and global priorities.
