Published by : International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT)

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Vol. 10 Issue 10, October-2021

A Study of Magnetic Piston Repulsion Engine

Ankeeta Nevrekar Malhardutt Hublikar
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
University of Mumbai University of Mumbai
Mumbai, India Mumbai, India

Siddhant Pawar Sakshi Dighe

Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
University of Mumbai University of Mumbai
Mumbai, India Mumbai, India

Abstract—The need and advancements of electric vehicles is well With technology seeing the brightest sun, electric vehicles
known, the problem with the electric vehicles now available in have made their way into mankind’s almost-decimated hope
the market is that they are expensive, thus are difficult for of having a clean environment. India has seen increasing
middle-class masses to afford, which form the most percentage demand for sales in electric vehicles but only restricted to the
of the country’s population. Thus, to avoid this restriction, the
best solution is to create a technology that can convert the
high-class population. The people lying in the middle-class
already used petrol cars into an electric car. The ‘Magnetic belt have hardly been the buyers. This may be because the
Repulsion Piston Engine’ (MRPE) is a newly found green citizens are not as educated or aware of the existing
technology that focuses on running the engine using magnets. It technologies and how they can exploit them or also because
describes an engine that works on the principle of repulsion of India, on the bottom line, is not a rich country. Fifty percent
two different types of magnets, i.e., a permanent magnet and an of the Indian population is middle-class which cannot really
electromagnet. The aim of this research is to manufacture an afford buying an expensive electric vehicle. Also, most of
engine that can use the attraction and repulsion between the them already have vehicles which they wish to hold on to
magnets to create a to-and-fro movement of the piston that owing to the fact that they still work smoothly and would not
would result in the production of power and rotation of the
crankshaft with just minor changes in the design of an IC
want to discard them. On taking the above points into
engine. As mentioned previously, repulsion between a consideration our main objective of the paper was to figure
permanent magnet and an electromagnet creates the basis of the out a way to make an electric vehicle by doing some
concept. The cam-valve mechanism of the engine is replaced by modifications in the engine so that we can achieve an electric
an electromagnet and a permanent magnet is attached on top of vehicle which was initially dependent on petrol. This
the piston, this arrangement with proper timing of the flow of technology involves using a technique called ‘Magnetic
current in the electromagnet in order to magnetize and Repulsion Piston Engine’.
demagnetize, reacts with the permanent magnet and rotates the
crankshaft. In our research study, we have calculated the data II. LITERATURE REVIEW
for working in a single cylinder engine
The main design and manufacturing methodology was taken
Keywords—Magnets; Electromagnets; Electric Vehicles; from US patent 4317058 [1] wherein Inventor, Sherman S.
Engine; MRPE; Ceramic magnets
Blalock, Inola, Okla has given briefs about the
I. INTRODUCTION Electromagnetic reciprocating engine. The important
We got over with the first decade of the twenty-first century takeaway from this patent were the engine designed being a
and the chances of having any fossil fuels left by the next V-type engine and has the use of the relays and switches for
three decades are extremely slim. With global warming the timing gears.
stepping over its peak, we, as humans, have a burdensome
responsibility of at least attempting to save the environment Paper[3] describes the methodology for making of
for better generations to come. In order to do so, researchers ‘MAGNETIC REPULSION PISTON ENGINE’ for single
and scientists have tried to use alternate fuels such as wind cylinder engines. However, from their experiment, it is found
energy, solar energy, biogas energy, etc., to generate power out that the energy of the permanent magnet is greater than
and sustain its need for humankind. However, since the the electromagnet which causes the permanent magnet to be
energy consumed by us in this generation is exceedingly well attracted to the iron core despite the absence of current.
above the two-hundred percent mark as compared to the Another notable problem was the choice of permanent
1900s, it is almost impossible for these alternate fuel options magnet they had used i.e., NdFeB, which, due to its low
to come to our rescue and satisfy the requirements. Some of mechanical strength could not sustain the stresses developed
these fuels like biogas, even though it is an option to curb the due to the oscillations.
energy needs, still contributes to the increasing pollution.
Also, these alternatives need a hefty initial investment which Paper [4] shares their discussion about their experimental
might or might not give the desirable output. Hence, although investigation of the magnetised piston powered engine. It
effective, the use of alternate fuels might not be efficient. mentions the need of the technology, the principle of the
invention and its working too, however, the notable

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Vol. 10 Issue 10, October-2021

discussion in the paper is the temperature and strengths of

permanent magnets at those temperatures along with the
simulation analysis showing the strength of the magnetic field
at different lengths from the magnet.

Paper [5] describes the procedures and experimental

observations made from making a “MAGNETIC PISTON
ENGINE’, also referred to as MAPS, but for the multi
cylinder engine. Even though they are able to make a
successful prototype, it is suggested to change the design of
engine cylinder by using non-magnetic metallic material
laminations enhancing the thickness of the cylinder to ensure
the magnetism stays contained in the cylinder body itself and Fig 1: Modified piston assembly
does not hamper the other parts of the engine
2. Connecting rod - The function of connecting rod is to
Paper [6] describes the design and working principle of connect the piston with the crankshaft. As the cylinder is
‘Electromagnetic Engine’. It is observed that they have expected to contain all the magnetic field in itself, the
implemented a hollow piston casing made of non-magnetic material of the connecting rod will not be affected much by
stainless steel. Titanium or similar materials of high the magnets. Hence, no major changes are done to the
resistivity and low electrical conductivity also having high connecting rod.
thermal resistance. They also suggest using a thin layer of 3. Crankshaft - The reciprocating motion of the piston is
non-magnetic material of sufficient thickness. A notable converted into useful rotary motion and this is transmitted to
observation was because of the less current flow, a weaker the output shaft. It is a link between connecting rod and
field was generated causing lesser force of attraction and output shaft.
repulsion limiting the torque capacity. 4. Cylinder - Along with containing the piston assembly,
cylinder also houses the lubrication and cooling systems.
Paper [7] talks about the complexities and shortcomings of Traditionally, cylinders are a part of cylinder block along
the previous inventions in this subject. According to them, in with the cylinder head. However, since this system does not
order to have a better and an efficient electromagnetic engine, comprise of any valves, the cylinder head is replaced with
one must consider the residual magnetism for electromagnets, electromagnet assembly as shown in the diagram.
the change in the magnetic fields over a range of
temperatures, and the decrease in magnetism power of the
permanent magnets at higher temperatures. They also give a B. Electrical system:
cautionary note for the use of the neodymium magnets The electrical subsystem has the following sub systems:
because of their very high strengths.
1. Frequency Controller - It is made using NE555 timer. It is
III. PROPOSED SYSTEM named so because it has a 5K ohm resistor in it. The general
For the purpose of segmentation of the systems, the applications of NE555 are to make timers, delays, oscillators,
components are divided into three major sub-assemblies as: and to generate pulses. They usually have a temperature
a. Mechanical system range of 0-70 degrees, hence it is vital to ensure that the timer
b. Electrical system circuit does not get over heated and so implementing a
c. Magnets temperature sensor is advisory. The frequency of the signals
A. Mechanical system: received by the electromagnet determines the frequency rpm
The mechanical subsystem includes following parts: of the engine. This is controlled by using a potentiometer
1. Piston – It is manufactured from non-magnetic materials whose resistance can be adjusted according to the output
from the accelerator pedal sensors as shown in the block
like aluminium as per vehicle dimensions. A permanent
diagram.
magnet is fitted on as new dimensions have a reduced
thickness to compensate for the thickness of the permanent
magnet to be attached on top of it. This reduces the strength 2. PWM Circuit - PWM stands for Pulse Width Modulation.
of the piston compared to the original however by increasing A PWM circuit gives square waves with on or off signals,
the thickness of the piston shell, it compensates for the duration of on time here is called the pulse width, which is
modulated by varying the resistance of the potentiometer,
reduced strength.
again according to the output from the accelerator pedal
sensor. The on time of the pulse is the time for which the
signal will pass through the electromagnet, hence determining
the strength of the field generated and also controlling the
rpm of the engine.

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3. Switch from Battery – This circuit controls the amount of pull force but having greater ultimate tensile strength and also
current to be passed through the electromagnet without higher temperature range.
burning the other circuit components. In order to produce An alternative to Nd magnets was the ceramic magnets or
required rpm, a current value is required, as follows (add ferrite magnets which are also the types of permanent
table). Hence, according to the input from the accelerator magnets, only having lesser strengths compared to rest of the
pedal it regulates the value of current flowing through the permanent magnets.
circuit 1.1 Ceramic magnets
Also called as ferrite magnets, are the most widely used
4. Safety Circuit - In order to prevent the components from permanent magnets and find their applications in motors and
burning a safety circuit is used that will break the contact speakers. They are very cost effective and suitable for higher
between the battery and the electromagnet to prevent rpms. Another important characteristic of ceramic magnets is
overheating of the component if there are any instances that they are electrically insulated and can work in damp
conditions, hence having high corrosion resistance. They are
available in 27 grades. However, C10 ceramic magnets are
used for this application. The specifications are as mentioned
in the table no.1
On comparing neodymium and ceramic magnets it is found
out that the ceramic magnets are more durable but have lesser
magnetic field strengths.

material BMX (MGOe) Maximum

Operating Temp
@ Pc = 2 (2)

neodymium (NdFeB) 48 ~ 53 80 °C

SmCo 29 ~ 34 300 °C

Alnico 5.5 540 °C

Ferrite (Ceramic) 1.1 250 °C

flexible 0.6 115.5 °C

Fig 2: Block diagram representing the electrical sub system

Table no 1. Properties of Permanent Magnets
C. Magnets:
1. Permanent magnets – 2. Electromagnet -
Magnetism is one of the four fundamental forces in nature. Its Electromagnetism is responsible for the force of attraction
occurrence Is due to the alignment of electrons according to and repulsion between the electrons and atoms. An
their spins when two electrons have opposite rotational spins, electromagnet is a current carrying conductor that produces
they cancel each other. However, in nature, elements do not magnetism when charged. However, by controlling the
always have electrons with opposite spins, where in these amount and direction of current it is possible to change the
electrons having same spins, align in a direction causing to direction and strength of the magnetic field. Here, there are
attract atoms having opposite spin electrons or repelling several types of electromagnets, like solenoid, torrid which
atoms having same spins electrons. This phenomenon gives find applications in conveyor belts and speakers. A solenoid
rise to magnetism. Sometimes these electrons do not get is made of a soft iron core. It is wrapped with 1000 coils of
neutralised which results in the formation of permanent copper wire of gauge 12.
magnets. The soft iron core is selected for its high susceptibility and
Several types of permanent magnets have been found in very less retentivity. The permeability of this iron core is 1.2
nature but the strongest ones of them are the neodymium mH/m. The number of turns of the copper wire are chosen
magnets. considering the amount of force produced by the
Paper [3] describes the drawbacks of using neodymium electromagnet. The gauge of the copper wire is selected
magnets as they noticed that the permanent magnet had considering the current capacity of the wire. This
higher force of attraction which led to the piston being electromagnet assembly is placed in the position of the
attracted to the electromagnet even when it was not charged cylinder head as shown in fig-3 below.
along with being brittle and causing other parts of the engine
to be attracted to the piston. In the previous iterations of
calculations, it is found out the force of attraction produced
by the permanent magnet was greater which would lead to the
same problem. In order to tackle this drawback, it was
suggested to use a permanent magnet with lesser magnetic

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Vol. 10 Issue 10, October-2021

We get,
F1= 55.447 N
F2= Force exerted by permanent magnet =B2×A /2μo
B=Flux density (T)=0.075 T at a distance G
A=Cross-sectional area of permanent magnet
Putting these values, F2=4.996 N
Total force, F=F1+ F2 = 60.447N
This force is transmitted through the shaft to the wheels
It is observed that force F1 and F2 is almost similar in case 1
while F1 is very much greater than F2 in case 2.

VI. CONCLUSIONS
One of the problems faced in the previous iterations were the
difference between the energies of the permanent magnet and
electromagnet which made the iron core to be attracted to the
piston head even if it was switched off, however by replacing
Nd magnet with Ceramic magnet eliminates this issue as the
Fig 3: Piston cylinder assembly with electromagnet ceramic magnets have weaker field strengths compared to Nd
magnets.
IV. WORKING In order to shield the magnetism of the permanent magnet
On starting the vehicle, a current is supplied to the battery to and to ensure smooth working of the engine the piston is
the starter switch and it is turned on as the user accelerates the replaced by a hollow piston casing as shown in the diagram
position of the accelerator pedal is taken as an input for the which is made of nonmagnetic material, which shields off the
frequency controller and the PWM circuit. This combined magnetic field from the other parts of the engine.
circuit gives a signal whose frequency is comparable to the It is observed that the NE555 timer circuit cannot take high
engine output rpm currents and hence it can get burned. The implementation of
safety circuit with the help of temperature and current sensors
V. CALCULATIONS is done so it always keeps in check and regulate the current
Case 1: Force calculations for Nd52 magnet. flow.
Input Voltage=6V VII. REFERENCES
Input Current= 1 Amp
Input Power=6 W [1] 4317058 (US), Dec 28, 1979, Electro-magnetic
Reciprocating Engine, 1982
Maximum Force exerted by electromagnet on piston, [2] 20060131887 A1 (US), Feb 15, 2006, magnetically
F1=N2×I2×K×A/2×G2 [3] Piyush Hota, Mahima Rathore, Danish Shaikh “Magnetic repulsion
N=Number of turns=1000 piston engine” IJSR 2013
K=Permeability =4μo [4] Ramanan. M, Balasubramanian. M, and Ilaiyaraja. S,“Experimental
Investigation on MagnetizedK. Elissa, “
A=Cross-Sectional area of electromagnet [5] Abil Joseph Eapen, AbyEshowVarughese, Arun T.P, and Athul T.N,
G=Least distance between electromagnet and permanent “Electromagnetic Engine”, IJRET, 2014
magnet =0.005m [6] J. Rithula, J. Jeyashruthi and Y Anandhi, “Electric Vehicle with Zero-
fuel ElectromagneticAutomobileEngine”,IJERT,
[7] Shirsendu Das, “An Electromagnetic Mechanism Which Works Like an
We get, Engine”, IJETT, 2013.
F1= 55.447N
F2= Force exerted by permanent magnet =B2×A /2μo
B=Flux density (T)=0.075 T at a distance G
A=Cross-sectional area of permanent magnet
Putting these values, F2=52.809 N
Total force, F=F1+ F2 = 108.265 N

Case 2: Force calculations for Ceramic C10 magnet.

Input Voltage=6V
Input Current= 1 Amp
Input Power=6 W
Maximum Force exerted by electromagnet on piston,
F1=N2×I2×K×A/2×G2
N=Number of turns=1000
K=Permeability =4μo
A=Cross-Sectional area of electromagnet
G=Least distance between electromagnet and permanent
magnet =0.005m

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