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Hyliion secures ONR contract to develop KARNO generator

Hyliion secures ONR contract to develop KARNO generator
Similar to a linear free-piston Stirling Cycle, the KARNO generator uses heat to expand a working fluid within a hermetically sealed cavity, pushing a piston assembly through a magnetic field to create an electric current. This heat can be obtained by reacting fuels in an external reaction chamber or captured from other external heat sources (image courtesy Hyliion).

In the United States (US), Hyliion Holdings Corporation (Hyliion), a developer of sustainable electricity-producing technology, has announced that it has been awarded a US$15+ million contract by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to develop its groundbreaking "KARNO" generator for Navy ships and stationary power applications.

Upon successful validation and demonstration to ONR, the Hyliion KARNO generator could be used as a power system in future platforms, providing US Naval operations scalability and flexibility while significantly reducing maintenance, emissions, and fuel consumption.

At Hyliion, we are dedicated to delivering innovative power generation solutions that prioritize our customers’ need for efficiency and reliability. This new partnership with the ONR is a testament to the performance and potential of our KARNO generator technology. We’re incredibly proud to contribute to the future of the US military and help them achieve their power generation goals, said Thomas Healy, Founder and CEO of Hyliion.

High efficiency, low maintenance- and noise

The KARNO generator is an innovative linear generation system powered by heat and enabled by 3D metal printing. Its hermetically sealed architecture, with only one moving part per shaft, is designed for maintenance-free operation over long running hours.

The generator’s efficiency, low maintenance, and quiet operation make it ideal for powering naval vessels.

This contract aligns perfectly with a strategic objective of ONR to leverage advanced technology to reduce carbon footprint and enhance operational efficiency.

The KARNO generator is highly versatile, providing adaptable power solutions to meet the unique demands of US Naval operations in maritime environments.

Similarly, with its flexibility and form factor, the KARNO generator can potentially meet additional US Defense needs for reliable power in stationary applications without compromising economics and emissions footprint.

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