According to Alec Shkolnik, co-founder and CEO of LiquidPiston, the company’s innovative design features stationary apex seals that function similarly to piston rings without the typical bouncing seen in Wankel rotary engines. This advancement effectively addresses durability and emissions challenges often associated with rotary engine technology. “We also upgraded its cycle to achieve significantly higher efficiency,” Shkolnik noted in a 2020 interview.
Military Applications and Beyond
LiquidPiston’s generator prototype, with its compact dimensions, reduced weight, compatibility with existing systems, and straightforward maintenance, is poised to greatly benefit military forces needing to power artillery units and other equipment in the field. The company’s 10-kW generator is approximately one-quarter the size and weight of the U.S. Army’s current Advanced Medium Mobile Power Source (AMMPS) system, illustrating a significant leap in efficiency and portability.
This generator represents a pivotal step toward mainstream adoption of the XTS-210 engine. Previously tested in smaller applications like airplanes and go-karts, this new military prototype will allow LiquidPiston to evaluate the durability and reliability of its technology under real-world conditions on a larger scale.
In discussing the potential for commercial applications back in 2020, Shkolnik expressed optimism about the technology’s versatility. “It could serve as an excellent primary propulsion system for vehicles or be integrated into a hybrid system.” However, he acknowledged the substantial investment required for testing and development necessary for mass-market vehicles, often reaching into the hundreds of millions of dollars. As a result, the startup opted to first target niche applications before expanding into broader markets.
Before venturing into commercial vehicles, LiquidPiston plans to showcase the XTS-210 in the skies. The engine is being integrated into a hybrid eVTOL unmanned military aircraft, with a demonstration scheduled for the U.S. Army later this year. This application exemplifies the potential impact of LiquidPiston’s unique design across multiple industries in a relatively short timeframe.
You Might Be Interested In