Advancing Green Aviation with Libertine's OpenFPE Research Engine
Key Ideas
  • Cranfield University acquires Libertine's OpenFPE research engine for combustion experiments in the MINIMAL project to reduce aviation's climate impact.
  • The engine concept involves a turbocharged multi-cylinder set of opposed free pistons generating power for improved efficiency in aviation engines.
  • Libertine's intelliGEN platform in the OpenFPE engine offers significant fuel economy improvements and flexible combustion capabilities.
  • The research engine will allow Cranfield University to optimize alternative fuel injection and ignition systems for hydrogen-fueled engines.
Libertine FPE has been selected by Cranfield University in Sheffield, Yorkshire, United Kingdom to provide a turnkey single-cylinder opposed free piston research engine for combustion experiments as part of the MINIMAL project. This project, funded by Horizon Europe and UKRI, aims to assess internal combustion technologies for future composite-cycle aero engines running on hydrogen or sustainable aviation fuel, ultimately achieving net zero CO2 emissions. The engine concept involves utilizing the exhaust from opposed free piston gas generators to power a turbine for improved efficiency in aviation engines. Libertine's intelliGEN platform, integrated into the OpenFPE research engine, offers advancements in fuel economy and combustion system flexibility. The OpenFPE research engine provided by Libertine will allow Cranfield University to conduct experiments focusing on optimizing fuel injection and ignition systems for hydrogen-fueled engines, aiming to minimize NOx emissions. This collaboration signifies a step towards green aviation, with the potential for double-digit percentage improvements in fuel economy. Andrew Rolt, a Senior Research Fellow at Cranfield University, praised the flexibility of the OpenFPE engine for conducting combustion experiments in the MINIMAL project. Furthermore, Libertine's technology platforms have been recognized for enabling clean and efficient power generation, aligning with the aviation industry's push for sustainable practices.
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