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On the one hand, it seems like they have an addressable market. On the other hand, it seems like a scam because they're trying to attract investors with a fanc

On the one hand, it seems like they have an addressable market. On the other hand, it seems like a scam because they're trying to attract investors with a fancy web page and thin statements about where they're actually selling. The comparison to a 25HP Kholer on the main page is... something. Here's the 'brochure': https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f6086e9bbbabd41a20f2984/6427fdcf5c4c4c3d073e9bc4_LPI%20Brochure%2020230331.pdf https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f6086e9bbbabd41a20f2984/642... Less than half the torque at more than double the RPMs. And very low compression, I don't see how this can run diesel.

ilyt 3y ago
> Less than half the torque at more than double the RPMs. I mean if you double RPM you halve the torque at same power, dunno what's weird here ? It's smaller CC faster rotating engine. > And very low compression, I don't see how this can run diesel. I'm also on "show us the working engine" side but supercharger will also add some heat and pressure to the system it might work?
- linuxftw 3y ago
  They're comparing a small engine to a 25HP diesel engine. A 25HP diesel is what powers my tractor, they're really not in the same class as a small 25HP gasoline engine that powers my lawnmower. If we're comparing the usefulness of an engine, torque is a big part of the equation. If they can get a small diesel engine for light load applications like generators or small aircraft, that might be a win so the military doesn't have to bring a different type of fuel (gas) or a heavier diesel engine. But I'm not sure 8:1 compression ratio is enough to operate the diesel cycle.
  - ilyt 3y ago
    >They're comparing a small engine to a 25HP diesel engine. A 25HP diesel is what powers my tractor, they're really not in the same class as a small 25HP gasoline engine that powers my lawnmower. Their comparison was essentially for mostly-constant RPM usage (generators,UAVs), rather than something more dynamic. Which means they can just peg the engine at most efficient point, just like Mazda's range extender wankel. So yeah, not for tractor-like usages. > If we're comparing the usefulness of an engine, torque is a big part of the equation. No, torque on its own is not, else you could compensate with gearing. Power (and in relation, torque) curve is the important one. The "tractor" like uses want "constant power" across the range, which essentially means flat-ish power curve across whole range[1], and that means torque is dropping fast with RPM. This "theoretical" one liquid piston one is probably classical high-revver curve which is near-constant torque across most of the range and very small range of peak power. Just the torque number tells very little about that, you need a graph. * [1] https://www.darksidedevelopments.co.uk/Blog/reading-a-dyno-graph/ https://www.darksidedevelopments.co.uk/Blog/reading-a-dyno-g...

ilyt 3y ago

> Less than half the torque at more than double the RPMs. I mean if you double RPM you halve the torque at same power, dunno what's weird here ? It's smaller CC faster rotating engine. > And very low compression, I don't see how this can run diesel. I'm also on "show us the working engine" side but supercharger will also add some heat and pressure to the system it might work?

linuxftw 3y ago
They're comparing a small engine to a 25HP diesel engine. A 25HP diesel is what powers my tractor, they're really not in the same class as a small 25HP gasoline engine that powers my lawnmower. If we're comparing the usefulness of an engine, torque is a big part of the equation. If they can get a small diesel engine for light load applications like generators or small aircraft, that might be a win so the military doesn't have to bring a different type of fuel (gas) or a heavier diesel engine. But I'm not sure 8:1 compression ratio is enough to operate the diesel cycle.
- ilyt 3y ago
  >They're comparing a small engine to a 25HP diesel engine. A 25HP diesel is what powers my tractor, they're really not in the same class as a small 25HP gasoline engine that powers my lawnmower. Their comparison was essentially for mostly-constant RPM usage (generators,UAVs), rather than something more dynamic. Which means they can just peg the engine at most efficient point, just like Mazda's range extender wankel. So yeah, not for tractor-like usages. > If we're comparing the usefulness of an engine, torque is a big part of the equation. No, torque on its own is not, else you could compensate with gearing. Power (and in relation, torque) curve is the important one. The "tractor" like uses want "constant power" across the range, which essentially means flat-ish power curve across whole range[1], and that means torque is dropping fast with RPM. This "theoretical" one liquid piston one is probably classical high-revver curve which is near-constant torque across most of the range and very small range of peak power. Just the torque number tells very little about that, you need a graph. * [1] https://www.darksidedevelopments.co.uk/Blog/reading-a-dyno-graph/ https://www.darksidedevelopments.co.uk/Blog/reading-a-dyno-g...