LAUSR

This is a concept research study and describes a mechanism in which an electric power generation process is integrated within the body of the internal combustion engine structure. It includes a core made of magnetic material which is excited by a coil. This magnetic core is a part of the engine block structure itself. Concurrently, the engine piston is modified by having a disc made of magnetic material forming part of the piston structure itself. Electric power is generated by the reciprocating motion of the piston, using the principle of variation of the coil inductance with reluctance, caused by the reciprocating motion. The proposed system completely eliminates the need to have a pulley and belt mechanism. Hence there are no additional moving parts in the system, and the already existing motion of the piston is utilised in the process. In addition, multiple cylinders in the vehicle allow duplicating the generator mechanism in each of the cylinders, and thus providing redundancy and enhanced overall system reliability. The proposed system can actually be used in both generation and propulsion modes, and also allowing regenerative braking, if desired, and hence opening up possibilities for mild hybrid type of vehicular operation.