Linear Alternator

A linear alternator is an electrical generator that produces alternating current from back and forth, straight-line motion rather than rotation, functioning as a linear motor run in reverse. A moving permanent magnet passes through a coil of wire, inducing current directly by electromagnetic induction without any crank or linkage to convert reciprocating motion into rotary motion first, the same principle used in a shaken flashlight. The design is used in free-piston engines and free-piston Stirling engines, and in thermoacoustic converters, and has been explored by NASA and by companies building integrated linear heat engines meant to supply modular power to data centers, defense sites and microgrids. This description is adapted from Wikipedia contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0; changes were made. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/