[IP] Micro-engines
Begin forwarded message:
From: Kurt Albershardt <kurt@xxxxxx>
Date: January 17, 2006 7:57:42 PM EST
To: dave@xxxxxxxxxx
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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