SBIR/STTR Award attributes
Through Phase II and Phase II Enhancement contracts, Baker Engineering LLC. has designed the Baker Opposed-piston Engine/APU, an engine based on traditional design coupled with advanced engine health management strategies. Operating on the two-stroke cycle, the inwardly-opposed-piston diesel engine offers reliability and efficiency of a breathe-easy piston port design. Crank phasing and port layout promote cylinder cooling and scavenging in preparation for high-pressure common rail direct injection. The low profile power system provides 0.2 Hp/lb or 10 Hp/cu.ft. with BSFC’s at 0.42 lb/(Hp-Hr). The Phase II Enhancement effort included demonstrating fuel efficiency and 12kW APU output at 28 VDC. A Phase III contract was awarded to reduce size and cost, and during this effort, the electrically assisted turbocharger was exchanged for an advanced turbo-supercharged induction system. The updated induction system reduced APU weight by 49 lbs and simplified operational controls. The resulting Gen 3 Baker Opposed-piston APU incorporates Baker Engineering’s new turbo-supercharged single cylinder engine. This sequential phase II will demonstrate the engine/generator technology at higher power output (25kW). This would be done by expanding the base engine assembly to include 2-3 cylinders, and incorporate the advanced turbo-supercharger technology. Tasks will include design, analysis, prototype development and testing.
