| 20100326044 | METHOD FOR COOLING ROCKET ENGINES - A coolant system for a rocket propulsion system having a rocket engine and a propellant tank includes a first heat exchanger that is operatively coupled to the rocket engine. The cooling system also includes a second heat exchanger that is operatively coupled to the propellant tank, a coolant tank that is configured to hold a coolant, and a pump. The cooling system also includes a flow circuit, through which the coolant flows with the aid of the pump. The flow circuit is defined by the pump, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the coolant tank. The coolant is pumped by the pump from the coolant tank to the first heat exchanger. The heat of combustion from the rocket engine is transferred to the coolant to cool the rocket engine. The heated coolant transfers the heat therein to the propellant with the second heat exchanger, thereby causing a pressure of the propellant in the propellant tank to be maintained at a desired level. | 12-30-2010 |
