Electrocatalytically induced propellant decomposition
US8337765B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 26, 2005 |
| Grant date | Dec 25, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 24, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02K9/95
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method to electrocatalytically induce the decomposition of a liquid propellant for propulsion. This is accomplished by providing a reaction chamber filled with catalyst that has a first electrode, such as near the center, and the other electrode disposed away from the first electrode. A charge source that is capable of applying voltage is connected to the electrodes. When the reaction chamber is dosed with a propellant such as an aqueous based amine propellant, such as HAN, an electric current flows between the electrodes and the propellant. This initiates the decomposition of the propellant which is driven to completion by the catalyst bed in order to be used for power generation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.