What are the drawbacks of free piston engines and how can they be improved?

In summary, there are several issues that have been identified with free piston engines, including burning oil and difficulty in muffling the short explosions. Additionally, two stroke free piston engines are said to be less efficient than four stroke engines. However, there are potential solutions such as reusing oil and using quiet and fuel efficient technology like Paul Pantone's. Further research is needed to determine the extent of these issues and the effectiveness of potential solutions.
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Stanley514
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There are following problems associated with free piston engines (generators).
Do you know if there exist some ways to overcome it?
1)Free piston engine burns oil.What could be done to reuse oil similar to four-stroke engine?
2)Free piston engine produces very short explosions which are claimed very difficult to muffle.
How noisy it really is?As I know ``muffler`` works good even with pistol though pistol produces even shorter explosions.
3)Two stroke free piston engines are claimed to be less efficient than four stroke engines
because they are two stroke.Due to short cycle fuel burns incompletely etc.
Is it really so?And how much do they loose in efficiency?
 
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1. What is a free piston engine?

A free piston engine is a type of internal combustion engine that does not have a crankshaft or other mechanical linkages to convert the linear motion of the pistons into rotational motion. Instead, the pistons are free to move back and forth within the engine, generating power through the combustion of fuel.

2. What are some common problems with free piston engines?

Some common problems with free piston engines include excessive vibration, difficulty controlling the piston movement, and challenges with heat management. These issues can lead to reduced efficiency and reliability of the engine.

3. How do these problems impact the performance of the engine?

The problems with free piston engines can result in decreased power output, increased fuel consumption, and higher levels of emissions. They can also lead to mechanical failures and shorter engine lifespan.

4. What are some potential solutions to these problems?

There are several potential solutions to issues with free piston engines, including implementing better control systems, improving heat management through advanced cooling techniques, and using specialized materials to reduce vibration and increase durability.

5. Are there any advantages to using free piston engines despite their problems?

Yes, there are some potential advantages to using free piston engines, such as improved fuel efficiency, reduced size and weight, and the ability to run on a variety of fuels. However, these benefits may not outweigh the challenges and limitations of the technology in its current state.

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