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ABSTRACT

A new power machine concept has been designed and analyzed for production, and proof of
principle subscale tests have been performed, with positive results. The machine design
concept is applicable as a compressor, pump, motor, or engine. Simplicity of design based on
spherical ball pistons enables a low moving part count, high power to weight ratio,
elimination of valve train and water cooling systems, and perfect dynamic balance.

The new design concept utilizes novel kinematic design to completely eliminate inertial loads
that would contribute to sliding friction. Also, low leakage is maintained without piston rings
by using a small clearance on the ball piston, resulting in choked flow past the ball. These
features provide the potential for an engine with higher efficiency than conventional piston
engines. The engine design utilizes existing recent technology to advantage, such as silicon
nitride ball pistons, so a large development effort is not required.
The machine having only a small number of moving parts, the design implements a modified
version of the tried and proven thermodynamic Otto cycle when used as an engine. Although
the small part count is an important advantage, other advantages exist that will give future
engineers new-found freedom in tailoring the combustion process. One great advantage is
that the stroke magnitude and rate can be different for different strokes in the cycle (i.e.,
intake, compression, power, and exhaust). This provides the possibility of converting more
energy to shaft power by greater expansion during the power stroke compared to the
compression stroke.
Another advantage is the ability to complete any even number of strokes per revolution in a
single rotor. This effectively multiplies the power output proportionally if the stroke is
maintained constant. Current concentration is on 2 and 4 stroke designs, but 8 or 12 or more
stroke rotors are feasible, only limited by centrifugal loads at high speeds for a given rotor
size. In addition, rotors can be stacked axially to increase power.
Recently, an engineering breakthrough has enabled the virtual elimination of inertial forces
that contribute to friction in the ball piston machine. Friction losses are thus low and
independent of operating speed, in contrast to conventional piston engines, where friction
losses increase with speed. In addition, recent simulated compressor testing has shown that
remaining friction can be nearly completely eliminated by hydrodynamic action of lubricant
at the ball piston.

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