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Metal-water combustion for clean propulsion and power generation

Author

Listed:
  • Bergthorson, Jeffrey M.
  • Yavor, Yinon
  • Palecka, Jan
  • Georges, William
  • Soo, Michael
  • Vickery, James
  • Goroshin, Samuel
  • Frost, David L.
  • Higgins, Andrew J.

Abstract

Metals are energy-dense fuels that can react exothermically with water to produce hydrogen, and this hydrogen is useful as a propellant for rockets and underwater vehicles or as a fuel for engines and fuel cells. Propulsion systems usually rely on high-temperature combustion (T>3000K) of metal-water propellants, while hydrogen-production systems typically employ low reactor temperatures (T<100°C). This paper reviews the current state of knowledge of both low-temperature and high-temperature metal-water reactions. Low-temperature reactions allow only the chemical energy contained in the hydrogen to be used, with the thermal energy released during the metal-water reaction being wasted. Metal-water propulsion systems typically make use of only the thermal energy of the metal-water reaction, with the hydrogen being exhausted to produce thrust. This paper proposes several novel applications of high-temperature metal-water combustion that allow the full chemical energy within the metal fuel to be harnessed, including high-speed air-breathing engines and high-power, compact, low-emissions power-generation systems. These technologies promise improved performance by maximizing the conversion of the chemical energy, stored within the metal fuel, into useful work at sufficient rates for high-power applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Bergthorson, Jeffrey M. & Yavor, Yinon & Palecka, Jan & Georges, William & Soo, Michael & Vickery, James & Goroshin, Samuel & Frost, David L. & Higgins, Andrew J., 2017. "Metal-water combustion for clean propulsion and power generation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 186(P1), pages 13-27.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:186:y:2017:i:p1:p:13-27
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2016.10.033
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