| Energy Density The energy density of a liquid hydrocarbon fuel (such as gasoline) is much higher than that of most batteries. If the energy of the fuel can be converted into power at a 20% efficiency (an automobile engine’s efficiency is typically 30%), then such a device would have 10 times the energy density of a battery. As a result devices powered by a tiny engine can be lighter than those powered by batteries or could operate longer for the same weight. In addition these devices could be “refueled” reducing the cost of waste and deposal typical of batteries. Advantages of Miniaturization & MEMS MicroElectroMechanical Systems describes a growing field of research were mechanical components are fabricated using processes and techniques developed by the Integrated Circuit (IC) industry. Current commercial products using MEMS include air bag sensors and optical switches. MEMS allows for low cost, batch fabricated devices made of Silicon. Silicon-based engines could also withstand higher temperatures than metal-based engines. Operating at high speeds with short length scales can also limit NOx formation in the exhaust |
|
|
|
MEMS Rotary Internal Combustion Engine
|
||
| Why Tiny Engines? | Mini Engine | Micro Engine |
| Micro-Combustion | MEMS Rockets | Media Information |
| Links | Who we are… | Contact us |