Control Techniques re-commission the Lotus experimental engine

Paul Stewart
Control Techniques engineer working on the AC drive unit

The rotary electrical drive on the Lotus free-piston experimental engine has now been re-commissioned by an engineer from Control Techniques.

The rig is now ready to be transported from the ThinkTank to its new home in an engine test cell in the new building.

The engine is part of a long-term R&D programme into new engine technologies and combustion control techniques led by Prof Paul Stewart, in collaboration with Lotus Engineering in Norwich.

The programme is looking at advanced drive trains for Hybrid Electric vehicles.

Lotus experimental engine, with Control Techniques drive cabinet open in the background

The CT drive supplies the Emerson 15kW Permanent Magnet AC Motor (PMAC) which is coupled to the crankshaft and acts as a motor-generator to control piston trajectory when the linear free piston engine is tethered to the crankshaft.

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