Micro-engines

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

Begin forwarded message:

From: Kurt Albershardt <kurt () nv net>
Date: January 17, 2006 7:57:42 PM EST
To: dave () farber net
Subject: Micro-engines

<http://www.physorg.com/news9823.html>

A programme for research on millimetre scale internal combustion  
engines is being jointly developed by Cambridge Combustion Research  
Centre and the Centre for Micro-Engineering and Nanotechnology at the  
University of Birmingham. This micro-engine project brings together  
novelties in fabrication, combustion, and micro-engine design with a  
close interaction of micro-fabrication and combustion expertise.

Most liquid hydrocarbon fuels hold over 300 times more energy per  
unit weight than a NiCad battery and 100 times more than a Li-ion  
battery. A micro-engine would have the potential to release the  
energy from the fuels and possibly replace batteries in portable  
devices.

It would not only last much longer than a battery of the same weight  
(about 20 times at 10% efficiency), but also requires little time to  
change its fuel capsule. As a highly compact energy source, micro- 
engines could find applications in medical devices, military  
equipment, PDAs, notebook computers, mobile phones, and even toys!

...

The proposed collaboration project between the two Universities  
intends to produce a micro combustion engine, with platform of 5 x 15  
x 3 mm in overall dimension and the expected indicated power output  
at 11.2 W at a speed of the order of 50,000 rpm.

...

Source: University of Cambridge



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