Project / Leader: 2A - Prof. Michael Goldfarb (Vanderbilt)
Title: Chemo-fluidic Vane Motor .
Project Goal:
The goal of this project is to develop a compact monopropellant-powered vane motor for use in high bandwidth actuation of a hydraulic pump. Secondly the plan calls for integrating the motor into a closed loop controlled throttle-less hydraulic actuator to provide compact hydraulic power for small scale fluid-powered systems, such as compact robots or human scaled hand tools.
What is the Problem?
This new power source potentially solves many of the existing problems associated today with electric battery powered motors, small IC engines or miniature turbines for the 10 – 1000 watt power range including significantly improved power density, instant refueling capability, zero emissions, low noise, on demand start/stop capability, etc.
How to solve it?
Use of a monopropellant with a catalyst will provide a compact fluid power energy source that can be harnessed and converted into rotary motion via a compact vane motor.
