Pumps and pipes. With an open system, you don't need to recompress the fluid and... | Hacker News

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TeMPOraL on Jan 16, 2015 | parent | context | favorite | on: SpaceX Has Pinpointed the Problem That Caused the ...

Pumps and pipes. With an open system, you don't need to recompress the fluid and move it back, and from what I read, that hardware weights a lot.

toomuchtodo on Jan 16, 2015 | [–]

Correct! Instead of using compressor(s) and recirculation plumbing, you're using an accumulator [1]. Weight and complexity savings.

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydraulic_accumulator

bdonlan on Jan 16, 2015 | [–]

Not to mention the power supply - what's going to run the pumps when the engines are shut off?

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