ELECTROLYSIS ROCKET ENGINE UNIT AND METHOD OF ITS OPERATION Russian patent published in 2018 - IPC F02K99/00 B64G1/40 

FIELD: motors and pumps.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to propulsion systems of spacecraft and can be used in oxygen-hydrogen propulsion systems with the electrolysis of these gases in a spacecraft. Electrolysis rocket propulsion system includes an electrolyzer of water with a membrane separating its internal cavity into oxygen and hydrogen chambers, the outputs of which are connected by mains with filling valves to oxygen and hydrogen cylinders, which, in turn, are connected by mains with solenoid valves to the engine inlet, as well as water and power supply units connected to the electrolyzer, a control unit electrically connected to the pressure and temperature sensors installed on the electrolyzer and to solenoid valves; two additional lines with solenoid valves are connected to it, which connect the outlets of the oxygen and hydrogen chambers to the inlet of the engine, while the flow cross-sections of additional lines and solenoid valves installed on them are selected so that when the gases are released to the engine, the oxygen and hydrogen pressures in the electrolyzer chambers are reduced at the same rate. Way of operation of the electrolysis rocket propulsion system includes the supply of electric current and water to the electrolyzer, the monitoring of the pressure and temperature therein, the connection of the oxygen and hydrogen chambers of the electrolyzer to the corresponding cylinders, the filling of the mentioned cylinders to the specified pressure, their disconnection from the outlets of the oxygen and hydrogen chambers of the electrolyzer, and then their connection at a given time to the engine and activation of the engine ignition; after switching off the electrolyzer current, the outlets of the oxygen and hydrogen chambers are simultaneously connected to the engine, and when the ignition of the engine is running, the residual amounts of oxygen and hydrogen are discharged from the chambers of the electrolyzer to the engine up to the value of the pressure in the electrolyzer equal to the saturated water vapor pressure at the operating temperature of the electrolyzer.

EFFECT: invention provides increased safety of the propulsion system by reducing the pressure of the gases in the electrolyzer after stopping its operation.

2 cl, 1 dwg