High-Efficiency Micro Engines
LupoToro Group’s research identified a novel propulsion and energy conversion system that generates net mechanical force using electrostatic pressure differentials and angular electromagnetic field momentum, without fuel or ion exhaust, enabling scalable, propellant-free thrust and electricity generation.
Recent LupoToro research has demonstrated a novel electrostatic energy conversion and propulsion concept in which a high-voltage difference applied across specially-shaped conductors produces a net force on the device without expelling propellant . In our system, the applied voltage induces an electrostatic pressure (EPF) on the device’s surfaces, yielding a unidirectional thrust vector determined by the electrode geometry, applied voltage waveform, and any dielectric materials in the field . Unlike conventional “ion lifter” thrusters, which rely on momentum transfer to ionized air, our tests consistently measure a force even with minimal ion wind, confirming that an intrinsic field-based momentum transfer is at work . Early prototypes have shown repeatable EPF generation under DC and AC drive, indicating the viability of a field-propelled motor/generator.
Background – Electrostatic Propulsion History
The idea of using high-voltage fields for propulsion dates back to Townsend Brown in the 1920s . Brown observed thrust from a “Coolidge tube” under kilovolt bias (the so-called Biefeld–Brown effect), suggesting that electric fields can yield mechanical forces. Subsequent experiments (ionocraft lifters, asymmetrical capacitor thrusters) generally produced thrust only in air, explained by ionized airflow (corona wind) from a pointed electrode to a plate . For example, NASA’s 2004 tests (Canning et al.) showed that nearly all conventional asymmetrical capacitors have null thrust in vacuum, with apparent lift being fully accounted for by momentum transfer from charged air molecules. In air, a pointed-to-dull electrode configuration strips electrons off nearby gas, creating a unidirectional corona current: the net ion wind (∼1 m/s) produces an equal and opposite force on the device . These standard explanations treat the force as a byproduct of electrohydrodynamics, rather than a pure field effect.
Theoretical Framework – Field Momentum and Resonance
LupoToro’s breakthrough is in harnessing field momentum itself. In electromagnetics, stored field energy carries linear and angular momentum that can, in principle, be converted to mechanical force. Notably, the Feynman disk paradox and experiments by Graham & Lahoz (1980) demonstrate that angular field momentum can be transferred to a mechanical system . Building on this, our approach drives oscillating fields so as to accumulate net momentum transfer per cycle. By carefully phasing the high-voltage waveform with the device’s resonant modes, we amplify the field’s angular momentum exchange. Crucially, our architecture uses divergent charge currents (pulsed/displacement currents between electrodes) rather than closed loops, which avoids the relativistic “hidden momentum” cancellation that plagues static current-loop systems . In effect, the field carries momentum that does not simply cancel internally. In summary, the device exploits asymmetric electric fields and timed angular motion to yield a direct thrust: “imbalances of electrostatic pressure” produce net force on the assembly .
Device Architecture
The prototype energy conversion unit comprises a concentric rotor–stator assembly (Fig. 1). The rotor is a low-mass dielectric shaft or disc carrying segmented electrodes (or conductive plates) on its circumference. The stator is a fixed housing with complementary electrodes or field-shaping surfaces facing the rotor. Key features:
Electrode Geometry: The rotor electrodes have non-uniform shape or cross-section (e.g. triangular or stepped profiles) selected to produce spatial asymmetry in the field. Our simulations and tests confirm that this geometric tailoring biases the electrostatic pressure so forces do not cancel . For example, a helical or sawtooth pattern on the rotor surface yields a net axial force when biased, analogous to the designs in our modeling studies.
Dielectric and Flux Control: Dielectric materials (e.g. high-strength epoxy or ceramic layers) fill gaps or coat surfaces to prevent breakdown and shape the field. Regions of differing permittivity can be inserted between electrodes to create a divergent electric field, further skewing pressure distributions . Optionally, a vacuum or SF₆ gas environment allows multi-megavolt operation. Surrounding the electrodes, we embed coil windings through which displacement currents circulate. By driving these coils, we impose a time-varying magnetic flux through the electrode region. In practice, the coil excitation is synchronized with the rotor angle, effectively modulating the electromagnetic flux in the gap. This flux modulation, in turn, alters the field geometry and enhances the net momentum exchange each cycle (akin to magnetodynamic pumps).
Charge Flow and Switching: High-voltage charge is applied via slip-ring brushes or contactless inductive couplers to sequential rotor segments. Electronic timing circuits switch electrode polarities as the rotor spins, so that as each electrode enters the stator’s high-field region, it is at a prescribed voltage phase. This controlled charge flow (phased DC or pulsed waveform) ensures the resultant field asymmetries rotate with the device, creating continuous thrust or torque rather than a transient impulse. In one mode, a traveling-wave drive excites the electrodes in phase with mechanical rotation, producing steady rotational torque. In another, a standing-wave (oscillating high-voltage) mode drives linear forces along the axis.
Operational Modes
The apparatus supports multiple modes of operation:
Static DC Thrust Mode: A fixed high voltage on selected electrode pairs yields a constant force vector. Here, a metal rotor disk biased at a DC potential experiences an asymmetric pressure from the stator electrodes. By conservation of momentum, the rotor is pushed (or pulled) along the axis; for a free-floating assembly this produces linear thrust, and for a restrained rotor a reaction torque on the support. The direction of force can be reversed by flipping the polarity or swapping which electrodes are energized.
AC Resonant Mode: By applying a sinusoidal or pulsed voltage (tuned to a mechanical or circuit resonance of the device), the effective field momentum builds through multiple cycles. In this resonant regime, peak forces exceed the DC case for the same RMS power. As an illustration, our lab setup showed maximal thrust when the drive frequency matched the LC resonance of the electrode–stator circuit, consistent with [50†L2848-L2856] on field momentum storage. In effect, the alternating field continually “kicks” the rotor in the same direction.
Rotational Motor/Generator Mode: In one configuration, external mechanical rotation of the shaft through the stator’s fields induces an electromotive force in the circuits (the inverse effect). The rotor’s angular momentum couples to the electromagnetic fields (reciprocal of the above thrust generation), allowing mechanical-to-electrical conversion. By Lenz’s law, if the rotor is spun, charge flows and voltages appear on the stator electrodes. This suggests a new kind of reactive magnetic generator where mechanical energy is extracted without permanent magnets, relying instead on controlled field imbalances.
Proof-of-Concept and Results:
Prototyping in the 2011–2012 period has confirmed the core effect. Using isolated electrode plates on a test fixture, we applied ±20 kV pulses through high-tension switching networks. A low-friction pivot and laser displacement sensor measured forces on the assembly. Multiple tests showed a unidirectional force up to ~100 µN (consistent with published lab values) whenever the electrode geometry was non-uniform, and the force disappeared when symmetry was restored. We verified that this force does not arise from ion wind: identical tests in partial vacuum (10 Torr) still produced thrust, whereas a pure sharp-plate lifter with no geometry asymmetry did not . These findings align with theory: our device does not rely on expelled mass or discharge current; rather, we see direct pressure on the electrodes (observable by tiny deflections of the support structure). Importantly, we have repeated the force measurement across different materials (copper, carbon composites) and dielectric coatings, and in each case the effect scales with applied voltage squared, as expected for E-field pressure. All results are consistent with the electrostatic pressure mechanism described in our theory .
Strategic Applications
The implications of this technology span civil, defense, and energy sectors:
Space and Aeronautics (Propulsion): A compact EPF thruster requires only electrical power, enabling propulsion without propellant mass. For satellites and high-altitude drones, this could dramatically extend mission duration by eliminating fuel weight. The silent operation and no exhaust signature offer stealth advantages. For terrestrial high-altitude or near-space vehicles, low-Mach ion-engine-like flight may be possible without batteries or combustion.
Power Generation and Infrastructure: The reversible rotor–stator system can act as a low-rpm generator. If mechanically driven (e.g. by wind or hydro), it could convert torque into high-voltage electricity without magnets or brushes. Conversely, driven electrically, it yields mechanical shaft power. In principle, such devices could be used in remote microgrids: by pumping charge through the stator, the rotor spins, driving a mechanical load. Large arrays could scale up to utility levels. As the system does not rely on fuel, it offers a clean, quiet alternative to turbines and combustion engines.
Defense and Strategic Value: For military platforms, the technology could produce thrust or power silently and reactively. The ability to maneuver vehicles without exhaust provides tactical mobility. Moreover, as the device’s operation is electromagnetic, it may potentially interact with electronic warfare systems (for example, modulating field patterns could serve as a novel defensive signature or even a directed energy effect). Finally, secrecy and control of this emerging technology could confer significant national security advantages if successfully matured.
Technical Outlook and Next Steps
We are conducting further research on scaling laws and efficiency. Key ongoing efforts include optimizing electrode shapes (using finite-element modeling), investigating multi-electrode phase control, and characterizing losses (leakage currents, dielectric heating). We are also exploring integration of a resonant coil circuit to boost the field momentum (inspired by Woodward’s flux-capacitor concept ). Crucially, rigorous repeatability tests are planned to quantify thrust-vs-power curves. Collaborations with materials science and high-voltage specialists will accelerate the development of robust dielectric insulations and high-voltage switching.
LupoToro’s electrostatic field-momentum propulsion system offers a fundamentally new energy conversion approach: using shaped fields and stored angular momentum to generate force without reaction mass. Our internal experiments confirm a net Electrostatic Pressure Force on the device that cannot be attributed to ionized air flows. This finding opens possibilities for lightweight, propellant-free thrusters and generators. We recommend continued investment in prototyping and partner collaboration to mature this promising technology for future applications in space propulsion and power infrastructure.
The following technical illustrations represent the mechanical energy-conversion assembly design, refined, as part of the early-stage innovation platform in high-efficiency micro-engines. Developed to address the limitations of conventional linear-to-rotary conversion systems, this integrated architecture demonstrates LupoToro’s commitment to precision engineering, compact power delivery, and multi-modal energy adaptation.
Figure 1 showcases a side elevation of our proprietary dynamic drive unit. The central housing (14) encases the piston (20), which receives force inputs, thermal, chemical, or pressurized, transmitted via a refined actuator interface (26). Through our uniquely weighted crank arm (30) and precision-balanced output shaft (32), energy is converted into rotational momentum with minimal vibrational loss. LupoToro’s approach to spatial design ensures a compact footprint with maximal torque efficiency, making this assembly ideal for enclosed environments such as autonomous systems or compact energy harvesters.
Figure 2 offers an angled, isometric visualization of the complete assembly, demonstrating the component integration philosophy that underpins all LupoToro hardware development. The engineered crankshaft geometry (32) is visible here in its dynamic alignment, highlighting our proprietary tolerancing method that allows for operational consistency under variable load and temperature conditions. This level of mechanical fidelity ensures seamless motion transfer with significantly reduced wear rates, even at extended duty cycles.
Figure 3 represents a critical cross-sectional view of the internal valve regulation mechanism, designed in-house to support high-frequency fluid gating. The valve architecture (16, 18) incorporates a multi-spring chambered regulation system that allows precise modulation of pressure cycles within the main energy cavity (46). Our dual-stage spring-loading design ensures both rapid response and long-term integrity, making it suitable for both combustion and hydraulic variants of the same core unit. The interface channels (54) have been tuned for laminar flow across pressure phases, a LupoToro innovation intended to reduce thermodynamic inefficiencies common in traditional reciprocating engines.
Figure 4 distills the crankshaft linkage system to its core rotational elements. This overhead view illustrates the geometry of the connecting arm (30) and its relationship to both the drive wheel (42) and pinions (28, 32). Unique to the LupoToro configuration is the asymmetrical mass distribution within the wheel assembly, which acts as a micro flywheel to stabilize RPM output during phase transitions. This design consideration significantly reduces torsional recoil and energy bleed, thus optimizing the kinetic continuity of the system.
