PEPEk-30 Rocket Engine
A PEroxide Propulsion Element
Design philosophy
A propulsion system is one of the most critical parts of a space vehicle. Hence, from the very beginning of the design phase, the focus has been on the design simplicity and user-friendliness. The PEPE engines are highly throttable and work with storable, green and dense propellant combinations. The injector’s wetted area is highly variable, which allows for deep throttling without O/F mixture ratio shift and/or combustion instability issues.
Key design parameters of the concept
- Storable , non toxic , environmentally friendly propellants :
–> H2O2 + Alcohol blended fuel - Hypergolic (i.e. spontaneous) ignition by means of a special (starting) hypergolic fuel mixture:
–> No ignition system required, no solid catalyst required
–> Restart ability
–> Allows to use a stabilized technical “T” grade peroxide - Variable injector wetted area :
–> Highly throttable (Thrust level lower limit only due to pump limitations and/or nozzle flow separation.)
–> Gradual startup / shutdown sequences, low risk of a hard start
–> An idle run possible (a “standby” mode) - Lower chamber temperature , moderate chamber pressure:
–> Better reusability (longer lifespan) - Propellants supplied by means of electric pumps:
–> Simple and reliable pumping system
–> Low pressure propellant tanks for enhanced user friendliness and safety level
Specifications
Nominal thrust at the sea level | 30kN |
Thrust level range (% of the Nominal) | 15% - 115% |
Oxidizer | H2O2 90% + stabilized |
Fuel | Hydrocarbon fuel |
Nominal chamber pressure | 4.0 MPa |
Average propellant density | 1250 kg/m3 |
ISP at the sea level* nozzle expansion ratio 6.5 | 235 s |
ISP in vacuum* nozzle expansion ratio 6.5 | 260 s |
ISP in vacuum* - vacuum version, nozzle expansion ratio 150 | 307 s |
Specifications Chamber and Nozzle
Property | Standard version | Vacuum optimized |
---|---|---|
Chamber Pressure [bar] | 40 | 40 |
Chamber peak temperature [K] | 2700 | 2700 |
Nozzle expansion ratio | 9.0 | 150 |
Specific Impulse vacuum* | 270 | 315 |
Specific Impulse sea level* | 235 | - |