Performance and Miniaturization of Electro-Chemical Combustion Actuators

Traditional electro-chemical actuators use electrolysis to produce hydrogen and oxygen to generate pressure that can be used for mechanical work. These actuators can create substantial forces over large strokes but are inefficient and relatively slow. We are working on an actuator where the hydrogen and oxygen are produced electrochemically and then ignited when actuation is desired. The process takes place in a closed volume so the water produced during combustion is contained and used again. The actuator essentially acts as a power amplifier that converts a low electrical power into stored chemical energy. The stored chemical energy call then be rapidly released (similar to 10 ms) to harvest high mechanical power in the actuator under command.