Libertine - Motion Control System
The building block of all linear generator solutions, the Linear Power System (LPS) cell is a single cylinder combination of a Linear Electro-Mechanical System (LEMS) and a fuel-flexible Internal Combustion System (ICS). Libertine’s approach to Linear Power Systems design focuses on specific force. Through optimised electrical machine design, closely integrating the LEMS and ICS to reduce the mass of the free piston mover assembly that oscillates within both of these systems, and use of advanced engineering materials and manufacturing methods, Libertine’s Linear Power Systems are capable of delivering twice the specific force of many other linear electrical machines and free piston systems.
As far back as 2009, Libertine’s Linear Power Systems architecture has been developed with a path to high volume, cost effective manufacture of Linear Generator products in mind.
The simple axial geometry of Linear Power Systems lends itself to low cost, low waste manufacturing methods such as extrusion and metallic powder-pressing. The 3D complexity of conventional engines often requires sand-cast engine block and head components with extensive secondary machining operations to achieve each component’s required net shape and geometric tolerances. In contrast, the off-tool form of extrusions and pressed metal components can be used with minimal secondary process operations.
More recent advances in component manufacturing methods such as spin casting, high-pressure die-casting, metal injection moulding (‘thixomolding’) and additive manufacturing techniques provide additional paths to LEMS cost optimisation alongside continuing performance improvements in our technology roadmap.
Libertine uses sophisticated component-level cost analysis tools to inform our platform technology roadmap, which in turn provides insight to each customer’s business case for Linear Generator product development.
Our location in Sheffield is just a short distance from the Advanced Manufacturing Park and Sheffield University’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre providing access to world-leading manufacturing technology and expertise.
Through our proprietary Linear Power Systems architecture and manufacturing methods, and our position at the heart of the UK’s world-leading advanced manufacturing cluster, we can support new product introduction programmes from pilot demonstrations through to product certification and launch of high volume, cost-competitive Linear Generator products.
Libertine seeks to become a strategic technology partner to our OEM customers, build confidence in the business case for Linear Generator new product introductions, and accelerate customer Time to Market (TTM) and Time in Market (TIM) – essential metrics for commercial success.