Mainspring - Linear Generator
The Mainspring Linear Generator represents a technological advancement in the conversion of linear motion to electricity. Utilizing a high-efficiency design, this generator is engineered to maximize the extraction of energy from reacted gases, eliminating mechanical losses by transforming linear motion directly into electrical energy. This continuous, adaptive control is fuel flexible, capable of adjusting to various gaseous fuels such as natural gas, propane, biogas, hydrogen, and ammonia, without mechanical constraints. The generator’s design incorporates standard materials and only two moving parts, eschewing oil and expensive catalysts, leading to reduced capital and maintenance costs. Notably, Mainspring’s product features near-zero NOx emissions due to its flameless reaction process. Packaged in a standard 20’ container, the system includes built-in grid-tie inverters and auxiliaries, facilitating quick installation. This makes it highly suitable for integration with renewable microgrids, serving as a reliable power source even when the grid is down.
Breakthrough design and adaptive control software enable an unprecedented combination of features and benefits.
High Efficiency
Direct conversion of linear motion into electricity
Mainspring’s linear generator is designed to enable high expansion of reacted gases and to electrically control the conversion of linear motion directly into electricity. High expansion allows for maximum extraction of reaction energy, and direct conversion eliminates mechanical losses — combining to enable high efficiency operation across all power output levels from 0 to 100%.
Fully Dispatchable
Load tracking, fast on/off, black start, and islanding
Mainspring’s linear generators match power output with building demand while integrating with onsite solar and energy storage, enabling the continued rapid adoption of renewables. In addition, Mainspring’s technology provides power when the grid is down, making it the ideal backbone of any renewable microgrid.
Fuel Flexible
Continuous, adaptive control without mechanical constraints
Mainspring’s linear generator technology continuously adjusts compression and expansion, allowing it to dynamically adjust for varying fuel quality and different types of gaseous fuels, including natural gas, propane, biogas, hydrogen, ammonia, and more.
Low Capital & Maintenance Costs
Standard materials, only two moving parts, and no oil
Mainspring’s linear generator is made out of standard materials with only two moving parts and operates without the use of oil or expensive fuel cell catalysts or complex engine mechanical systems — resulting in low capital and maintenance costs.
Easily Sited
Near-zero NOx emissions
Mainspring’s linear generator uses a flameless, uniform reaction that maintains peak temperatures below the levels in which NOx forms (1500°C), resulting in near-zero NOx emissions and the ability to meet even the most stringent air quality standards.
Turn-Key Packaging
Built-in grid-tie inverters and auxiliaries
Mainspring’s linear generator products combine grid-tie inverters and auxiliaries into turn-key packages for fast and simple installation. Designed for commercial businesses, Mainspring's first product is packaged in a standard 20’ container.
The Mainspring Linear Generator – distinct from an engine, microturbine, or fuel cell – directly converts motion along a straight line into electricity using chemical energy. At the heart of our product is the linear generator core. Our first product features two cores in each package, working in tandem.