A H2O2 based power system inspired by periodic pulsed spray of bombardier beetle

This paper describes a pneumatically powered system based on hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) decomposition designed to provide enhanced energy and power density for exoskeleton robotic applications. A prototype of the power system has been built with diluted H₂O₂ over manganese based catalyst in which H₂O₂ decomposes yielding non-harmful gaseous oxygen and the reaction is strongly exothermic leading to the water vaporization. In particular, the authors establish the inlet and outlet valves system which involves a periodic pulsed gas explosion as a result of inspiration from the bombardier beetle. Numerical simulations of pressure in the reaction chamber of the H₂O₂ based power system are presented. The experiment results reproduce the periodic pulsed spray mode at the 0.5 Hz on/off frequency of the inlet and outlet valves system.