Performance Analysis of a Gasoline Direct-Injection Opposed-Piston FPEG: A Coupled Study of Injection, Scavenging, and Dynamics

The opposed-piston free-piston engine generator (FPEG) is a promising high-efficiency energy conversion architecture, featuring reduced heat transfer and favorable NVH characteristics for applications such as auxiliary power units and vehicle range extenders. While significant progress has been made, existing studies often focus on isolated parameters. The coupled effects of key operational parameters, including injection pulse width, scavenging pressure, rebound cylinder base pressure, and mover mass, on the performance of gasoline direct-injection opposed-piston FPEG remain insufficiently explored. To bridge this gap, we develop and validate a thermodynamics zero-dimensional combustion simulation model against bench tests, with peak pressure errors below 5%. This model enables a systematic investigation into the interactive effects of these parameters. Results indicate that piston dynamics are most sensitive near dead centers and in the first half of the expansion stroke. Indicated thermal efficiency peaks at 35.87% with a 4.5 ms injection pulse width and increases from 35.02% to 36% as scavenging pressure rises from 1.3 bar to 3 bar. Scavenging pressure dominates compression ratio and efficiency, rebound pressure mainly affects operating frequency, and injection width governs indicated work and peak pressure. This study establishes a coupled analysis framework, providing concrete insights for optimizing opposed-piston FPEG performance through parameter coordination.