Draft:Endless Fuel (Proposed Rocket Propulsion Concept)
{{AFC submission|d|v|u=Maitidebpratim|ns=118|decliner=Pythoncoder|declinets=20250710122615|ts=20250709180750}}
{{AFC comment|1=In accordance with Wikipedia's Conflict of interest policy, I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. Maitidebpratim (talk) 18:05, 9 July 2025 (UTC)}}
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{{Short description|Propulsion system}}
{{Draft topics|transportation|technology}}
{{AfC topic|stem}}
Endless Fuel (Proposed Rocket Propulsion Concept)
Endless Fuel{{Cite web|url=https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15846434|title=Endless Fuel: A Theoretical Framework and Prototype Concept for Sustainable Rocket Propulsion|last=Maiti|first=Debpratim|date=2025-07-09|website=Zenodo|publisher=CERN/OpenAIRE|doi=10.5281/zenodo.15846434 |access-date=2025-07-09}} is a closed-loop rocket propulsion concept proposed in 2025. It aims to reduce fuel consumption in rocket systems by integrating five energy regeneration methods into a unified thrust cycle: thermal, mechanical, solar, piezoelectric, and electrochemical. The idea was first documented and published by student inventor Debpratim Maiti through the InspireSCI Space research group.
Concept Overview
The Endless Fuel system is based on the principle that energy lost in propulsion can be partially recaptured and redirected into future thrust. This model combines hybrid energy sources to power subsystems such as electrolysis units, microthrusters, and combustion chambers. The cycle relies on modular regeneration from solar panels, thermoelectric plates, gravity-powered mechanisms, and vibration energy harvesters.
Prototype Testing
= Endtest I =
- 3D-printed chassis using titanium filament
- Powered by:
- Solar panels (648 W)
- Gravity swing mechanism
- Piezoelectric units (260 mW per vibration)
- Thermal generators (1.5 kW)
- Controlled by ESP32 microcontroller and sensor suite (MPU6050, NRF24L01)
= Endless I =
- Scaled version of Endtest I
- Enhanced catalytic efficiency and telemetry
- Ground station control using PC telemetry software
Fuel Cycle Summary
- Electrolysis Unit:
H₂O → H₂ + O₂ (powered by harvested energy)
- Combustion:
H₂ + O₂ → H₂O + CO₂ + heat (exhaust recycled)
- Methane Reactor Loop:
CH₄ + H₂O + O₂ + heat → CO₂ + H₂O → recirculated energy