Electric Solid Propellant Fire Suppression for Zero Ozone Depletion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerospace fire suppression agents, such as halon-based and hydrofluorocarbon-based agents, pose environmental concerns like stratospheric ozone depletion and global warming, necessitating the development of non-ozone depleting alternatives for new and retrofitted aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A fire suppression system utilizing an electric solid propellant (ESP) configured as a solid mass, comprising a polymer material, an oxidizer, and chemical additives, which generates inert gases through electrochemical decomposition when current is flowed through a circuit with an anode and cathode, producing environmentally friendly gases like carbon dioxide and nitrogen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If halon-based or hydrofluorocarbon-based agents are used for fire suppression, then fire suppression effectiveness is improved, but environmental harm increases due to ozone depletion and global warming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the fire suppression agent from halon-based or hydrofluorocarbon-based compounds to an electric solid propellant system comprising a polymer material, oxidizer, and chemical additives. This parameter change eliminates ozone depletion potential and global warming impact while maintaining fire suppression effectiveness through controlled electrochemical decomposition that generates inert gases.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional chemical storage and discharge systems with an electric solid propellant system that uses electrical energy to initiate controlled decomposition. The circuit with power source, anode, and cathode substitutes for mechanical actuators or chemical triggers, enabling precise control over gas generation timing and rate while eliminating harmful environmental effects associated with conventional agents.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If solid-state electric propellant system is used, then environmental compliance is improved, but system complexity increases due to addition of circuit components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the fire suppression agent storage function with the propellant combustion function into a single integrated solid mass. The polymer material, oxidizer, and chemical additives are combined in predetermined proportions within one container, eliminating the need for separate storage cylinders, valves, and piping systems. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity despite the addition of electrical circuit components.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric solid propellant system serves multiple functions: it stores the fire suppression agent, generates inert gases through controlled decomposition, and provides a controlled discharge mechanism. The circuit system with power source and electrodes performs both activation and control functions. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed compared to traditional systems.
3Productivity
If electric solid propellant is used, then gas generation control is improved, but energy consumption increases due to electrical current requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The electric solid propellant system uses periodic or pulsed electrical current application to control gas generation. Rather than continuous energy input, the circuit applies electrical energy in controlled pulses that initiate and sustain decomposition only when needed. This periodic action provides precise control over gas generation timing and rate while minimizing overall electrical energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a lightweight, compact, and non-flammable fire suppression solution with zero ozone depletion potential and global warming impact, offering a regulatory-compliant alternative to existing agents, with selective operation and controlled gas generation.
Implementation Method 1
Flowing current through the ESP causes a chemical decomposition of a polymer material and an oxidizer of the ESP to form the inert gas
Implementation Method 2
Flowing current through the ESP causes a chemical decomposition
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
A fire suppression system comprises an electric solid propellant (ESP) (10) configured as a solid mass, and a circuit (12) configured to flow current through the ESP (10). The ESP (10) includes a polymer material, an oxidizer, and at least one chemical additive. The circuit (12) includes a power source (22), an anode (18) in physical communication with the ESP (10), and a cathode (20) in physical communication with the ESP (10) and oppositely disposed from the anode (18).