What is the Freikolben-Resonanzstirling Project?
The Freikolben-Resonanzstirling is set to shake up heating technology worldwide. After years of intense work, complex calculations, and rigorous testing, Bernese engineer Rolf Schmid and Geneva ETH engineer Jean-Pierre Budliger have cracked the code. This isn’t just another motor or engine — in fact, the inventors firmly reject calling it a “motor.” Why? Because it carries the baggage of old steam and Stirling engines, and this device is way beyond that. Schmid calls it “nothing less than the heart of future and advanced ‘electricity-generating heaters.’” It’s a compact, durable, and maintenance-free piece of precision mechanics that promises to set new standards in heating. Instead of manufacturing these heaters on a large scale themselves, the inventors plan to share their know-how globally through licenses, empowering the heating industry everywhere.
Main Benefits of the Freikolben-Resonanzstirling
So, what makes this project a game-changer? Here are some key figures and facts that highlight its potential:
- Internationally patented new concept
- Up to 40% energy savings compared to separate electricity and heat generation
- Electrical efficiency of 25% under nominal operating conditions (CHP-in = 30°C, CHP-out = 40°C)
- Overall efficiency (electricity + heating energy) of 90%
- Maintenance-free and low noise operation
- Clean combustion process
- Field test completed with over 40,000 operating hours
- In combined operation with a heat pump, achieves 40 to 50% energy savings
Breaking the Energy Waste Cycle
Budliger points out a harsh reality: “It should not be the case that we waste vast amounts of high-quality energy to produce a little comfortable heat and warm water – we will never achieve the energy transition this way.” He highlights how Switzerland imports huge amounts of electricity from German coal-fired power plants every winter just to run about 200,000 heat pumps. This is clearly unsustainable. The Freikolben-Resonanzstirling offers a fresh perspective, aiming to break this cycle by efficiently producing both heat and electricity locally, reducing reliance on dirty energy imports.
Not Just a Motor – A New Heart for Heating
The inventors are clear: the Freikolben-Resonanzstirling is not a motor. It’s a revolutionary device that redefines what heating technology can be. Unlike traditional engines, it’s designed to be compact, durable, and maintenance-free. Schmid envisions it as the core of “electricity-generating heaters” that will power the future. This isn’t about churning out motors; it’s about creating a new standard for how heat and electricity are generated together, efficiently and cleanly.
Industrialization and Future Developments
The project is actively seeking industrial partners to bring this technology to mass production. Future plans include developing devices with higher output and exploring wood combustion technologies in collaboration with the University of Applied Sciences HEIG in Yverdon. The goal is to complement photovoltaic systems by providing clean, quiet, and efficient combined heat and power (CHP) solutions that shine especially in winter when solar energy is scarce. The extensive field test with over 40,000 operating hours proves the technology’s reliability and readiness for the market.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – by providing efficient and clean heating solutions
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – through innovative heating technology and industrial partnerships
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – by reducing energy waste and emissions in urban heating
- SDG 13: Climate Action – by cutting down reliance on coal-based electricity imports and lowering carbon footprint
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – through high efficiency and maintenance-free design
Looking Ahead: A New Era in Heating Technology
The Freikolben-Resonanzstirling project signals a bold step forward in how heat and electricity can be generated together more efficiently and sustainably. With its compact design, impressive efficiency, and clean operation, it’s poised to become a cornerstone of future heating systems worldwide. The inventors’ vision to license the technology globally means this innovation could ripple across industries and borders, helping to close the winter electricity gap and support the energy transition in a meaningful way. It’s not just about technology—it’s about reshaping the future of energy use, one heater at a time.
