The free piston principle as used in the Chiron also enables the generation of electric energy. Thereto the hydraulic pump part is replaced by a linear generator. This electric generator is seen as the main competitor for fuel cells by mayor players in the automotive industry.
Industrial partners from the automotive and generator industry as well as technological institutes work together in the development of a free piston electric generator. Innas was asked to participate in this project with her knowledge of free piston engines and is responsible for building a prototype and carrying out the first tests.
The initiative, which started in the Fall of 2002, is supported by the EU. It is one of the 40 projects under the GROWTH programme, aiming to develop clean, efficient and intelligent internal combustion engines running on both conventional and alternative fuels.