A four-cycle, four-cylinder, premixed charge compression ignition internal
combustion reciprocating free piston engine with a variable piston stroke
and a compression ratio that varies as needed to provide charge ignition,
to offer the potential of higher efficiency, lower emissions, and
multi-fuel operation. The engine does not have a crankshaft, and
therefore does not provide direct rotary output. Instead its free pistons
oscillate, in a manner similar to a two cycle free piston engine. For
many applications, such as piston pumps and compressors, the engine
provides an output directly driven by the oscillating pistons. In other
applications, such as but not limited to use as a gas generator for a
power turbine, the engine provides an indirect means of producing rotary
power. When the engine is used with high-speed power turbines, the power
turbine may be directly coupled to a high-speed alternator for electrical
power output.