Liquid Carbon Dioxide Phase Change Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerospace propulsion technologies, such as carrier rockets and electric propulsion, face issues like high temperature ablation, environmental hazards, low fuel controllability, and inability to provide large propulsion forces efficiently, limiting their application in extraterrestrial exploration.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion method based on liquid carbon dioxide phase change, where carbon dioxide is stored in a thermally insulated container and transiently heated to convert it from a liquid to a gas phase, which is then jetted to generate a propulsion force, avoiding chemical reactions and toxic emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If carrier rocket technology is used to generate large propulsion force, then propulsion force is improved, but high temperature ablation and environmental hazards occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of carbon dioxide from liquid to gas through phase change, enabling propulsion without chemical combustion. This physical parameter change allows generation of large propulsion force while avoiding high temperature ablation and toxic emissions associated with chemical rockets
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of carbon dioxide from liquid to gas to generate propulsion force. The phase change process occurs in a thermally insulated container, and the expanding gas is directed through a nozzle to produce thrust, eliminating the need for chemical reactions and their associated harmful effects
2Ease of operation
If electric propulsion technology is used to achieve small propulsion force with long endurance, then fuel controllability is improved, but large propulsion force cannot be generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by controlling the phase transition temperature and pressure of carbon dioxide to regulate propulsion force output. The system can adjust the phase change conditions to provide either small controlled thrust for precision operations or large thrust for launch, combining the controllability of electric propulsion with the power of chemical propulsion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of propulsion force by modulating the phase change process of carbon dioxide. The system can dynamically adjust the rate and magnitude of phase change to match varying mission requirements, providing both the controllability needed for precision maneuvers and the power for large-scale propulsion
3Power
If chemical propulsion is used to generate large propulsion force, then propulsion power is improved, but toxic and harmful discharges occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses phase transitions of carbon dioxide as a purely physical process to generate propulsion power without chemical reactions. The liquid carbon dioxide undergoes phase change to gas in a controlled manner, expanding and being directed through a nozzle to produce thrust, thereby eliminating toxic and harmful discharges while maintaining high propulsion power
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the naturally occurring phase transition of carbon dioxide, which could be considered a neutral physical process, into a beneficial propulsion mechanism. By harnessing the phase change from liquid to gas, the system generates powerful thrust without the harmful chemical reactions that traditionally accompany high-power propulsion
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
This method provides a high-reliability, reusable, and environmentally friendly propulsion solution with minimal thermal impact, capable of generating significant propulsion forces while reducing costs and environmental harm, and enabling efficient control of propulsion forces.
Implementation Method 1
the predetermined temperature is room temperature lower than a liquid-gas phase change temperature of carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 2
transiently heating to convert the carbon dioxide from a liquid phase to a gas phase
Implementation Method 3
convert the carbon dioxide from a liquid phase to a gas phase
Implementation Method 4
jetting carbon dioxide gas after the phase change in a predetermined direction by a predetermined jet-out amount so as to obtain a propulsion force
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a propulsion method based on liquid carbon dioxide phase change and a propulsion device. The method includes the following steps of: accommodating carbon dioxide in a thermally insulated container in a liquid phase form; transiently heating to convert the carbon dioxide from a liquid phase to a gas phase; and jetting carbon dioxide gas after the phase change in a predetermined direction by a predetermined jet-out amount so as to obtain a propulsion force.