Underwater Thermal Engine With Pressure-Tuned Steam Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater propulsion systems for unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs) face challenges with inadequate energy density and efficiency, particularly in variable speed propulsion.
Innovation Solution
A thermal engine system utilizing a reaction chamber, pump, ignitor, and pressure tuned valve to generate and control the release of propulsion gases, such as steam or carbon dioxide, for efficient underwater propulsion via an eductor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If stored chemical energy propulsion systems are used, then propulsion is provided, but energy density is limited and efficiency is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the physical state of water from liquid to steam through phase transition, utilizing the energy stored in chemical bonds of calcium carbide and water reaction. This parameter change enables high energy density propulsion by converting chemical energy directly into thermal energy and then into kinetic energy of the steam jet
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of water from liquid to steam when it contacts the hot reaction products. This phase transition absorbs heat and expands the gas volume dramatically, providing high energy density propulsion without requiring large amounts of stored chemical energy
2Speed
If variable speed propulsion is implemented, then speed control is improved, but efficiency is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control of the reaction process by adjusting the water flow rate into the reaction chamber. By varying the water addition rate, the system can modulate the steam generation rate and thus control propulsion speed while maintaining high efficiency through continuous optimal operation of the chemical reaction
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure-tuned valve provides automatic feedback control by opening or closing based on the pressure differential between the boiler and surrounding water. This feedback mechanism maintains optimal operating conditions and efficiency across variable speed ranges without requiring external control systems
3Quantity of substance
If steam is generated in a boiler, then propulsion gas is produced, but control of steam release must be precise
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-tuned valve operates autonomously based on the pressure differential between the boiler interior and surrounding water. When internal pressure exceeds external pressure by a certain threshold, the valve automatically opens to release steam; when pressure equalizes, it closes. This self-regulating mechanism simplifies operation while maintaining precise control over steam release quantity
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 higher energy density, improved throttle control, and lower costs by converting chemical or electrostatic fusion energy into propulsion gas for underwater thrust.
Implementation Method 1
a reaction chamber that is operative to generate heat from electrostatic fusion
Implementation Method 2
the heat exchanger is operative to vaporize water into steam within the boiler with the energy generated from electrostatic fusion
Implementation Method 3
the pressure tuned valve is operative to control the release of steam from the boiler
Implementation Method 4
The eductor is configured to provide undersea propulsion by ejection of the steam into surrounding water
Data Source
AI summary
A method for underwater propulsion including a thermal engine system wherein the thermal engine system produces a propulsion gas, the propulsion gas is introduced into a pressure tuned valve, wherein the pressure tuned valve lies upstream of an eductor and the pressure tuned valve controls release of the gas from the thermal engine system to the eductor; and wherein the release of the propulsion gas to the eductor provides underwater propulsion by ejection of the propulsion gas into surrounding water.