Monopropellant Combustion System with Catalyst Bed
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power sources, particularly battery-based and liquid fuel-powered systems, face challenges in energy density and oxygen dependency, making them unsuitable for anaerobic environments and extraterrestrial applications, while monopropellants like hydrazine and hydrogen peroxide require efficient combustion systems that are economically viable.
Innovation Solution
A combustion system comprising a catalyst bed with MnO2 catalyst, a vessel for storing propellant at predefined pressure, and a controlled injection system with glow plugs for maintaining temperature and igniting propellant in the combustion chamber, allowing for efficient decomposition of H2O2 and potential use in anaerobic environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If battery-based power supplies are used, then long-lasting power output is achieved, but energy density becomes low requiring more mass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition and energy density parameters of the power system by using monopropellant decomposition and combustion reactions, achieving higher energy density compared to battery systems while maintaining sustained power output through controlled reaction rates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the oxygen dependency from the system by using monopropellants that contain their own oxidizing agents, eliminating the need for atmospheric oxygen and enabling operation in anaerobic environments while improving energy density
2Weight of moving object
If liquid fuel-powered sources are used, then high energy density is achieved, but dependency on atmospheric oxygen increases making them unsuitable for anaerobic environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical reaction parameters by using monopropellant decomposition and combustion that does not require atmospheric oxygen, maintaining high energy density while enabling operation in anaerobic environments through self-contained propellant chemistry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the atmospheric oxygen requirement from the combustion process by using monopropellants that decompose and combust using their own chemical composition, making the system adaptable to anaerobic environments while preserving high energy density
3Weight of moving object
If monopropellants are used for power generation, then potential for high energy density is achieved, but development of efficient and economical combustion systems remains challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a catalyst bed as an intermediary component that facilitates monopropellant decomposition and combustion reactions, simplifying the combustion system design while achieving efficient energy conversion and high energy density output
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical combustion control systems with a catalyst-based chemical reaction system, reducing device complexity while maintaining efficient monopropellant energy conversion and high energy density performance
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein provide a combustion system comprising a combustion chamber having a catalyst bed, and a vessel for storing a propellant at a predefined pressure. The vessel comprising a first valve for controlling a flow of the propellant over the catalyst bed inside the combustion chamber and an input provided at the first valve, for injecting the propellant inside the combustion chamber at a predefined duration of injection for each cycle of injection. A predefined quantity of the propellant is injected in each cycle of the injection. The combustion system further comprises one or more glow plugs for maintaining a predefined temperature within the catalyst bed and an ignition glow plug for providing a source of ignition for combustion of the propellant inside the combustion chamber.