Clarian Laboratories in Seattle USA is developing an internal combustion range extender that generates electricity despite having no drive shaft. It has other potential uses as a reliable small source of electricity running on a choice of fuels. In EV terms, this is something of a crossover product from piston engines used in second generation range extenders and gas turbines and fuel cells in third generation range extenders.
Misleadingly, Clarian Laboratories calls it a battery because it sees it replacing a battery. It claims to have developed a compact, electromagnetic hybrid "battery" based on a rotary piston. It runs on carbon-neutral fuels including hydrogen, and could power equipment including electric vehicles.
Clarian says it has been developing the technology in stealth mode for the the past two years. Its own patent application was made public in mid 2011.The device was originally developed as a power source for the Department of Defense Humanoid Robot Program.
Electricity is generated by the unique induction generator design incorporated into the rotor assembly. The company claims that, "The result is a compact, lightweight source of electricity that is fully self-contained - no bulky generators, flywheels, alternators, fan belts, pulleys or gears to worry about. Think of the rotary generator as a powerful self-contained electromechanical battery."
Chad Maglaque, CEO of the five-person company, is looking to partner with someone like the DOE, DOD or an automobile or aerospace manufacturer to commercialize the technology rather than lead the commercialization effort.
IDTechEx have recently issued a new report, Range Extenders for Electric Vehicles . If you have any form of interest in this subject please contact Dr Peter Harrop on p.harrop@idtechex.com.
For more attend Electric Vehicles Land Sea Air USA 2012.
