The original concept was introduced in 1990. Then it utilised a modified version of the tried and tested otto cycle. The number of strokes were 4, 8 and 12 or more. There may be one or more pistons. Each of them is inside a cylinder. A hot gas or a gas under pressure is introduced. The machine design concept is applicable as a compressor, pump, motor, or engine. This engine is based on spherical ball pistons and hence the moving part count is less, power to weight ratio is high, f valve train and water cooling systems are eliminated and there is a good dynamic balance.
The inertial loads(which contributes to sliding friction) has been completely eliminated by a novel kinematic design. a small clearance is kept on the ball piston to avoid the use of piston rings for reducing the leakage. As a result, there is a choked flow across the piston. The above described features provide the scope for a engine with higher efficiency than conventional piston engines.The silicon nitride ball pistons technology has been utilized by the engine preventing the need of a large developmental effort.
Ball piston engine – a high efficient power
A patented new power machine concept has been designed and analyzed for production, and proof of principle subscale tests have been performed, with positive results. The machine design concept is applicable as a compressor, pump, motor, or engine. Simplicity of design based on spherical ball pistons enables a low moving part count, high power to weight ratio, elimination of valve train and water cooling systems, and perfect dynamic balance.The new design concept utilizes novel kinematic design to completely eliminate inertial loads that would contribute to sliding friction. Also low leakage is maintained without piston rings by using a small clearance on the ball piston, resulting in choked flow past the ball. These features provide the potential for an engine with higher efficiency than conventional piston engines. The engine design utilizes existing recent technology to advantage, such as silicon nitride ball pistons, so a large development effort is not required.
