Exploring
the frontier

The project aims to develop an electrically driven pump suitable for a MON/MMH rocket engine with a nominal output of 2-7kN. The e-pump design conforms to the potential application for kick-stage engines of new-generation rocket carriers, landers, and other deep-space spacecraft. Inpraise systems acts as the main contractor for technical development.

The project aims to develop electrically driven pumps for the MON/MMH RELIANCE engine for the Argonaut lunar lander development under the European Large Logistics Lander [EL3] project. Nammo Raufoss AS is the prime contractor, with Inpraise Systems as the main contractor. Specialized departments at Brno University of Technology are also involved in significant collaboration under the project agreement.

To minimize air pollution during rocket launches, extensive research has been dedicated to eco-friendly space propellants, contributing to the adoption of non-toxic alternatives. These propellants boast enhanced safety and ease of handling compared to traditional options, reducing associated costs in transport, storage, spacecraft development, and on-ground operations. In Europe, the allure of these non-toxic propellants is particularly evident in cost-effective micro-satellite missions and the evolving landscape of reusable vehicles. These efforts align with the completed initial development of the E-Pump system, designed for rocket engines utilizing environmentally friendly propellants. The pump's versatility also extends to accommodate other green propellants fuel, ensuring adaptability and sustainability in space exploration.

This project is dedicated to advancing research and development in the domain of high-speed electric compressors, specifically tailored for cutting-edge fuel cell power units and other compact, oil-free compressor applications.

A distinctive feature of this development effort lies in the utilization of air-lubricated tilting-pad gas bearings, imparting significant qualitative advantages to the compressor design. These bearings are inherently oil-free and exhibit minimal energy losses, making them an ideal choice for environmentally friendly applications. Key project objectives encompass the exploration of high-speed electromagnetic circuits, gas bearings, comprehensive technical parameter measurements, and rigorous testing to ensure the reliability and extended service life of high-speed rotating machines.

The primary objective is to develop an electrically powered micro turbocharger. This micro turbocharger is meticulously engineered for clean applications, specifically targeting the latest iterations of fuel cell power units. Distinguishing itself as a high-speed synchronous motor/generator adorned with permanent magnets, it boasts a dual-stage design comprising a compressor and a turbine. What sets this innovation apart is its pioneering gas-lubricated bearing technology, renowned for its exceptional resistance to wear, even under conditions of intermittent operation.

This groundbreaking gas bearing technology serves as a safeguard, ensuring that the air supplied remains uncontaminated by oil particles. By utilizing process gas (in this case, air) as the lubricating medium, our proposed solution offers a substantial advantage in terms of lower energy losses when compared to conventional oil-lubricated hydrodynamic or ball bearings. Through this project, we aim to revolutionize the landscape of micro turbochargers, delivering cleaner, more efficient solutions to power the fuel cell technologies of the future.

The objective of the project is the research and development of a serially produced gas-lubricated tilting-pad bearing prototype of a new generation for high-speed rotating machine applications, including production jigs and measuring methods for qualification, for clean air, flue gas, steam and other technical gases used in energy production. The project aims at developing a product for use in the domain of hydrogen applications, reducing the environmental impact by eliminating the use of oil lubricants, decreasing operating media leakage, and minimizing energy losses in rotating systems. The secondary objective focuses on determining allowable operating modes of gas-lubricated tilting-pad bearings to guarantee parameters for defined structural installations and operating modes.

The research project focuses on developing a flexible and efficient system for thermal energy storage, intended for the production of electrical or thermal energy. Scale-down prototypes of key components, including critical drive components and turbomachines for supercritical CO2 cycles, will undergo rigorous development, manufacturing, and testing to validate the feasibility of the final energy system. Operational experience gained through testing is crucial for economic evaluation and ensuring the competitiveness of the proposed solution. Leveraging compact thermal storage and conversion cycles, we aim to drive significant advancements in energy efficiency and sustainability.

The project focuses on developing, assembling, and commissioning a specialized test bench designed to accurately identify, measure, and diagnose dynamic operational parameters of high-speed rotating machinery and rotor assemblies. Capable of handling exceptionally high operating speeds exceeding 20,000 rpm, the test bench aims to enhance reliability, efficiency, and operational lifespan. It will support the analysis of critical performance aspects, including rotor imbalance in both planar and multiplanar configurations, friction within bearing-mounted shafts, instabilities such as oil whirl and oil whip, as well as vibrations caused by rotor misalignment and component wear. This innovative test bench is intended to advance the development and optimization of high-speed rotating systems, ensuring improved performance and durability.