Abstract: The L & N Cyde combines a single heat source with several different cycles into one unique system that takes maximum advantage of the heat available. The cycles/systems included are 1) a chemo-thermal process to convert water into oxygen and hydrogen, 2) a modified Regenerative Brayton cycle to produce electricity, 3) a thermal flash distillation desalination cycle 4) a reverse osmosis desalination cycle, and 5) ion-exchange mineral extraction system. The heat source will supply a temperature of about 900° C. to 1,000° C. to the chemo-thermal furnace for that process. The hot products of the chemo-thermal water conversion process (oxygen and hydrogen) pass through different heat exchangers to supply heat to the other cycles. In this manner the oxygen and hydrogen proceed through their first cooling step. The hot hydrogen heat exchanger supplies heat to the fluid in the Regenerative Brayton cycle to produce the electricity.

Abstract: The S & H Cycle Engine will provide very high specific impulse propulsion at a reasonable thrust for fast human or cargo or scientific spacecraft travel to the moon or other planets and/or moons of other planets. Significantly shorter flight times will reduce astronaut sickness from zero gravity effects and space radiation. The same system will also provide enough electrical energy to potentially power an electromagnetic shield to protect human passengers from the energetic charged particle component of solar radiation throughout the flight. The S & H Cycle Engine differs from other electric propulsion devices in that it flows the thruster cryogenic propellant through a heat exchanger before it reaches the thruster as a bottom beat sink for the thermal process that generates the electricity for the electric thrusters. In this manner the thermal efficiency increases significantly, thus increasing the total propulsion system efficiency and hence increase the velocity or payload mass of the spacecraft.