Capacitance Based Combined Single and Two Phase Mass Flow Meter for Cryogenic Hydrogen

Tech4Imaging (T4I) proposes to develop a Capacitance Based Combined Single and Two Phase Mass Flow Meter for Cryogenic fuel with an accuracy of 2% full scale from 0 to 100% liquid volume fraction. This flow meter can be scaled to different pipe diameters to measure flow rates between 0.1 lbm/s to 500 lbm/s depending on the fluid density. This flow meter will be applicable to most cryogenic two phase flows including nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, methane, and natural gas. This proposal will focus on the application of 2-phase nitrogen as an analog for other fluids due to price and accessibility, although much of the development for one cryogen is applicable to the others. Combined 2-Phase cryogenic mass flow meter tool benefits: 1. Improve chill down performance 2. Quantify fuel system performance 3. Pinpoint process parameters for review, resulting in substantial savings 4. Minimal PPE required 5. Minimized boil off from device 6. Minimized cost 7. Lightweight and low power for flight integration

Members of NASA are also keenly interested in the successful development of this product for use in aerospace applications. This techology can minimize NASA test program time, cost, and risk.

Leaders of innovation in the hydrogen industry have been consulted heavily during the development of the technology towards cryogen applications thus far. LTA research, Sierra Lobo Inc and Moran Innovation (Letter of Support provided) were all consulted during development to date and are potential users of the technology once developed.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.