Turbine Generator Thrust Vector Control Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery technologies for powering electric systems in space launch vehicles are limited by weight, volume, cost, and reliability, necessitating a more affordable and power/energy dense electric power source for thrust vector control.
Innovation Solution
A turbine generator system that diverts a small fraction of liquid hydrogen fuel to drive a turbine, which powers a generator to supply electric power to electromechanical thrust vectoring actuators, with a speed control valve regulating the turbine speed and a gear assembly connecting the components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If battery technologies are used to power electric systems in space launch vehicles, then the system is simple and reliable, but the weight, volume, cost, and power/energy density are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine generator system uses a small fraction of the vehicle's own propellant (liquid hydrogen) to drive the turbine, which generates electricity. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate battery systems, reducing weight while maintaining reliability through continuous power generation from the propellant already required for thrust.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid hydrogen propellant serves dual functions: it provides thrust when burned in the main engine and simultaneously drives the turbine generator to produce electricity for thrust vector control and other systems. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated battery systems, reducing overall system weight and volume.
2Ease of manufacture
If battery technologies are used to power electric systems in space launch vehicles, then the system is simple, but the power/energy density, weight, volume, and cost are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine generator system uses a small fraction of the vehicle's own propellant (liquid hydrogen) to drive the turbine, which generates electricity. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate battery systems, reducing weight while maintaining reliability through continuous power generation from the propellant already required for thrust.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of a small fraction of liquid hydrogen fuel by evaporating it to drive the turbine. This parameter change (from liquid to gas) enables the propellant to effectively drive the turbine generator, providing high power density electricity generation without complex battery systems.
3Reliability
If hydraulic systems are used for thrust vector control, then the system is proven and reliable, but the system is becoming obsolete and incompatible with all-electric systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional hydraulic power system with an electromechanical system. The turbine generator produces electricity that powers electromechanical actuators, substituting hydraulic fluid power with electrical power while maintaining the thrust vector control function. This enables compatibility with all-electric vehicle systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid hydrogen propellant serves dual functions: it provides thrust when burned in the main engine and simultaneously drives the turbine generator to produce electricity for thrust vector control and other systems. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated battery systems, reducing overall system weight and volume.
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
Provides a reliable and efficient electric power source for thrust vector control, overcoming the limitations of traditional battery technologies while reducing weight and cost, and enhancing the power/energy density of the system.
Implementation Method 1
The turbine drives the generator
Implementation Method 2
The generator provides electric power to at least one electromechanical actuator of the thrust system
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method includes a thrust system; a generator for providing electric power to at least one electromechanical actuator of the thrust system; a turbine for driving the generator; a speed control valve for metering propellant to the turbine; and a gear assembly for connecting the turbine, the generator, and the speed control valve.