Hydrogen Peroxide Tank Pressurization by UV-Induced Oxygen Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for pressurizing propellant tanks, particularly those containing hydrogen peroxide, often require inert gases or complex systems, which can be cumbersome and less efficient, especially in reusable systems.

Innovation Solution

Irradiating hydrogen peroxide within the propellant tank with ultraviolet light to induce photolysis, converting it into water and gaseous oxygen, thereby increasing tank pressure without the need for inert gases or transfer pumps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conventional inert gas pressurization is used, then propellant tank pressure can be maintained, but system complexity and weight increase due to high-pressure vessels and transfer pumps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressurization system complexityVSAvoidtank pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical pressurization system (inert gas storage vessels and transfer pumps) with a photochemical system using ultraviolet light sources. The UV irradiation causes hydrogen peroxide to decompose into water and oxygen gas, which naturally pressurizes the tank without requiring external mechanical equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The hydrogen peroxide stored in the tank serves dual purposes: as propellant and as the source material for generating pressurant gas. The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide under UV light produces oxygen gas in-situ, eliminating the need for separate inert gas storage and transfer systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Stress or pressure

If inert gas pressurization systems are used, then propellant supply pressure is ensured, but system weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepropellant supply pressureVSAvoidpressurization system weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces heavy mechanical pressurization equipment with lightweight ultraviolet light sources. The photochemical decomposition of hydrogen peroxide generates oxygen gas that pressurizes the tank, eliminating the need for high-pressure inert gas vessels and heavy transfer pumps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The hydrogen peroxide propellant serves dual functions: as the propellant itself and as the source material for generating pressurant gas through UV-induced decomposition. This eliminates the need for separate pressurant storage tanks and reduces overall system weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stress or pressure

If conventional pressurization methods are used, then tank pressure can be maintained, but the system requires additional components like transfer pumps and high-pressure vessels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetank pressureVSAvoidsystem components

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from the conventional pressurization system. By using UV-induced decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, the system removes the need for inert gas storage vessels, transfer pumps, and associated high-pressure infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the propellant storage function with the pressurant generation function. The hydrogen peroxide in the propellant tank serves dual purposes: as propellant and as the source material for generating oxygen gas pressurant through UV irradiation, consolidating multiple functions into a single system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 compact, lightweight, and efficient pressurization system that simplifies propellant transfer and reduces system complexity, particularly suitable for reusable spacecraft applications.

Implementation Method 1

irradiating at least some (i.e., at least a sub-amount) of the hydrogen peroxide within the propellant tank with ultraviolet light emitted by at least one ultraviolet light source, thereby provoking a photolysis of at least some of the hydrogen peroxide into water and gaseous oxygen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotolysis: Photodissociation

Data Source

PatentUS20260054860A1Pressurization method for pressurizing a propellant tank, filling method, tank assembly, filling system, and spacecraft

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 ARIANEGRP GMBH

AI summary

A pressurization method for increasing a pressure within a propellant tank containing hydrogen peroxide H2O2. The pressurization method includes irradiating at least some of the hydrogen peroxide H2O2 with ultraviolet light emitted by at least one ultraviolet light source. With the UV light, a photolysis is actively provoked which causes the irradiated hydrogen peroxide H2O2 to at least partially decompose into water H2O and gaseous oxygen O2. Also a filling method for at least partially filling a receiving propellant tank with the pressurization method, a tank assembly, a filling system, and a spacecraft.