Lightweight Inflatable Cryogenic Tank

This proposal describes the development of an inflatable and lightweight polymer-fabric structured pressure vessel designed for the containment of cryogenic fluids. Technology Applications, Inc. (TAI) in collaboration with the Thin Red Line Aerospace (TRLA) proposes to develop a cryogen tank design solution with fully determinate load paths that addresses the need for lightweight pressure containment at extremely low temperatures without the reliability issues that exist in composite tank structures. Ultra High Performance Vessel (UHPV) technology that has already been developed for many other applications will be extended for use into the cryogenic temperature operating range. The Phase I feasibility study encompasses the design and critical support elements for creating a robust lightweight cryogenic tank structure that meets NASA mission specifications. The Phase II program will involve fabricating and demonstrating the performance of a prototype cryogen tank based upon the inflatable UVHP architecture.

By developing this technology and making it more cost effective, other government and non-government entities will benefit from a lighter-weight, deployable, and flexible cryogen tank to meet cooling and storage needs in industries such as medical, biotech, high-temperature superconductors, and telecommunications. The potential for application in the transport and storage of liquefied natural gas (LNG) would provide significant potential to a large and growing market.

NASA is interested in lightweight cryotanks for significant weight savings over conventional metal tanks. The development of composite-structured tanks has not been fully realized because these material systems have suffered from significant reliability issues due to crazing or microcracking in the composite matrix. Lightweight tanks will be necessary for cryogenic propellant storage to support NASA's space exploration initiatives. Cryotank mass and thermal efficiency improvements will enable long-term cryogen storage for space-based propellant depots, cryogenic storage of propellants on an Earth Departure Stage, propellant tanks for heavy lift vehicles and descent or ascent vehicles. Lunar habitation outposts requiring the storage of large cryogenic fuel masses and liquid oxygen and nitrogen for human habitation would also benefit from this technology.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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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