The authors present a novel power supply for mobile robotic systems. A monopropellant (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) decomposes into high temperature gases, which drive a free piston hydraulic pump (FPHP). The elimination of fuel/oxidizer mixing allows the design of simple, lightweight systems capable of operation in oxygen free environments. A thermodynamic analysis has been performed, and an experimental FPHP has been built and tested. The prototype successfully pumped hydraulic fluid, although the flow rate was limited by the off-the-shelf components used.

Issue Section:
Technical Papers
Keywords:
hydraulic systems, pumps, propulsion, mobile robots, thermodynamic properties
Topics:
Catalysts, Design, Flow (Dynamics), Hydraulic pumps, Hydrogen, Pistons, Pressure, Robotics, Valves, Solenoids, Engineering prototypes, Fluids, Pumps, Gas cylinders, Simulation, Gases, Fuels, Oxygen
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 by ASME
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