The Blue Economy - CASE 25: Propulsion without Gas
This article introduces innovations to generate propulsion without gases as one of the 100 innovations that shape The Blue Economy, known as ZERIʼs philosophy in action. This article is part of a broad effort by the author and the designer of the Blue Economy to stimulate open-source entrepreneurship, competitiveness and employment. Researched, Written and Updated by Professor Gunter Pauli.
The Blue Economy Inspired Series
Revolution in Propulsion:
From Gas to "No Gas" Technology
and the Emerging Opportunities
Written by; Shelley Tsang, 2024.
Propulsion technology plays an essential role across many sectors, from industrial applications to daily consumer products. The demand for propellant technologies spans a wide range of uses, from aerosol sprays to advanced engines in the aviation and automotive industries. The global market for propellants is projected to grow significantly over the next five years, driven by the need for innovation and the pressing demand for renewable, eco-friendly solutions. An example is the re-emergence of wind-assisted propulsion for ships, which evokes the era of clipper ships once solely driven by wind power.
Market Size and Cash Flow of Propellant Technologies
Data shows that the global aerosol propellant market is extensive and expanding. Annually, approximately 15 billion propellant containers are sold worldwide, with Europe leading with over 5 billion units. Propellants include various alternatives to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), such as hydrocarbons (propane, butane), hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), dimethyl ether (DME), and compressed gas propellants like CO₂, air, nitrogen, and nitrous oxide. Personal care products, especially hair sprays and mousses, account for the largest consumption, while the food sector, including whipped creams, has also shown steady growth.
In the U.S., consumer aerosol products generate about $15 billion in wholesale revenue, while the global total reaches nearly $40 billion. With such a diverse range of applications—from cleaning products and insect repellents to medical aerosols and microelectronics maintenance—propellant technologies serve as a platform solution for various industries, producing significant cash flow and profitability.
Innovation in Propulsion Technology – From Chemistry to Physics
With increased environmental awareness, there’s a global push to reduce reliance on chemical propellants and seek green alternatives. The industry has been shifting away from traditional CFCs, and recent innovations are exploring physical, non-gas solutions. For example, researchers are blending silicone oil with propane gas to create greener options, though challenges with flammability limit widespread adoption.
A groundbreaking "no gas" propulsion technology was recently developed by Professor Andy McIntosh at the University of Leeds, inspired by the defensive spray mechanism of the bombardier beetle. This insect releases a combination of steam and toxins through rapid pulses, which McIntosh replicated using a heat and flash evaporation technique, propelling liquid up to 4 meters without gas. This innovation, coined as "substitute something with nothing" within the Blue Economy framework, aligns with the goals of sustainable development.
This technology, known as μMistTM, has received a patent and promises a significant market impact with applications in medical nebulizers, fire extinguishers, fuel injection, needle-free vaccinations, and asthma inhalers. μMistTM has the potential to disrupt the traditional gas-dependent aerosol industry, especially in medical settings where safe, chemical-free alternatives are highly valued.
The Re-Emergence of Wind Power and Blue Wasp’s Contribution
The exploration of wind-assisted propulsion for ships is not limited to aerosol technologies; other industries are also embracing renewable and environmentally friendly propulsion methods. Blue Wasp, an engineering consultancy focused on wind-assisted ship propulsion, provides independent technical advice to support decision-making within the shipping industry. This blend of new and old technology recalls the global trade era of clipper ships, yet today’s solutions are far more sophisticated, offering carbon reduction benefits and aligning with modern sustainability demands.
International Collaboration and the Global Application of Propulsion Technologies
The evolution of propulsion technologies is a global effort. International collaboration has been instrumental in driving innovation and adoption. For instance, the μMistTM technology, initially developed at the University of Leeds, has been commercialized under the guidance of Swedish entrepreneur Lars-Uno Larsson. His investment company, Biomimetics 3000, provides comprehensive support across finance, technical expertise, legal frameworks, and management, encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration.
This collaboration model not only brings synergy to innovation but also accelerates commercialization. The Blue Economy encourages global cooperation focused on sustainable development, aiming to foster entrepreneurship, create employment, and boost industry competitiveness. Such partnerships enable different countries, companies, and technical teams to share resources and knowledge, facilitating faster market entry and wider platform technology opportunities.
Emerging Opportunities and Challenges
With the global gas propellant market exceeding $100 billion, "no gas" propulsion technology opens up a vast entrepreneurial platform. This shift requires not only technical innovation but also close industry collaboration and alignment. Although the potential of gas-free propulsion is significant, fully replacing traditional propellants poses challenges. For instance, CFC replacements in medical inhalers remain limited, and gas-free technology in the medical field is still in its early adoption stages.
However, the promise of technological transformation brings immense opportunities. Lars-Uno Larsson and his team have focused on breakthroughs inspired by nature, recognizing that cross-sector collaboration is essential to success. By forming partnerships with technology experts and industry leaders, they hope to expand μMistTM’s applications and accelerate its market release. His efforts signify a fundamental shift toward eco-friendly propulsion across multiple sectors, including healthcare, automotive, and electronics.
Looking ahead, the demand for environmentally friendly technology will likely continue to grow, positioning physical solutions as a core focus in emerging industries. With applications across numerous fields, gas-free propulsion technologies offer an effective approach to reducing carbon emissions while significantly improving resource efficiency.
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