Electric-pump Rocket Engines

Comparative analysis of the electric-pump cycle using Rocket Cycle Analysis Tool (RoCAT)

Master thesis (2023)

Authors

R.J.F. van den Berg Aerospace Engineering

Contributors

B.T.C. Zandbergen Space Systems Egineering (mentor)

A. Cervone Astrodynamics & Space Missions - Aerospace Engineering (graduation committee member)

E.K.A. Gill Space Systems Egineering (graduation committee member)

Faculty

Aerospace Engineering, Aerospace Engineering

Optimization Electric motors Propulsion Rocket propulsion Preliminary design Cycle Rocket engine Propellant Rocket Rocket engine cycles

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Published Date

29-08-2023

Language

English

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Faculty

Aerospace Engineering

Abstract

The electric-pump cycle is a rocket engine configuration that uses an electric motor to power the pumps instead of a turbine. This offers several expected advantages such as simpler design, lower development costs, and easier restartability, but comes with reduced performance compared to conventional cycles. Previous research has primarily compared the electric-pump cycle to the gas generator cycle and has been limited to direct comparison. To extend the previous research a Rocket Cycle Analysis Tool was developed called RoCAT. It models the last-named cycles as well as the open expander cycle for a broad scope of thrusts, burn times, and chamber pressures, and several propellants. In addition, RoCAT optimizes several inputs for each cycles individually for a fairer comparison. Besides analyzing the electric-pump cycle's current performance, this research also estimates its performance in the future based on historic trends in its key technologies like the battery and electric motor.

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