Large Propellant Tank Cryo-Cooler (LPTC) Project

In rocket test and launch facilities, cryogenic propellants stored in tanks boils off due to heat leakage, with the following impacts: Ø Waste, propellants boil off & requires replacement Ø Concentrates impurities which do not boil off Ø Imposes a thermal cycle on their finite service life Boil-off of is currently managed by purchasing more propellants; adaption of cryogenic-cooler technology will reduce heat buildup in the storage tanks thereby reducing boil-off, impurities and increasing life expectancy. In laboratory settings, cryogenic-coolers are used to minimize boil-off from dewars containing cryogens, however there is nothing available off-the-shelf that is designed for large cryogenic storage tanks located at present day launch and test facilities. The goal of this project is the development of a design concept that adapts scalable off-the-shelf cryogenic-cooler technology required for test and launch facility cryogenic-storage tanks, while optionally powering the system with off the grid electricity or solar energy in order to eliminate propellant boil-off. The development of this technology would save money spent on rocket engine testing at test facilities and on ground operations at launch facilities for propellant purchases, operations, maintenance, and problems associated with impurities in propellant stores, therefore enabling access to space by making it less expensive.

This technology could make ground testing associated with development and qualification of propulsion systems and ground operations associated with launch and access to space less expensive. This technology could make ground testing associated with development and qualification of propulsion systems and ground operations associated with launch and access to space less expensive. This technology could make ground testing associated with development and qualification of propulsion systems and ground operations associated with launch and access to space less expensive.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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.

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