[pea-jay]

I am not an engineer, but I reviewed the animated diagram. Wouldn't using a diesel-styled compression engine eliminate the worry about spark plugs while the explosion from one cylinder provide the compression needed for the other one?

Am I on to something here or should I shut up and stick to planning issues?

A competant engineering opinion would be appreciated.

[Tanada]

I've just looked at the animation quickly, but what happens when you have a misfire or fouled spark plug or something? It looks like the piston deal will just keep traveling and smash into the cylinder head! Or am I missing something? Is there any device that will mechanically control piston travel?

I have to question if this approach can be more efficient than using a flywheel, which smoothly converts reciprocating motion into rotary motion.

Unless you physically break the piston chamber the compressed gasses will form a cushion between the cylinder head and the piston.

[kuidaskassikaeb]

Can I puke. This is still a second law limited engine, as one of the posters commented. Fuel cells are not second law limited, this can't compete.