Future launch sites need a new approach for
the supply of propellants and gases. Services will be built around thermally
efficient, system-integrated concepts supplied by centralized plants for
both energy conversion and cryogenic production. Piping networks to deliver
the cryogenic fluids (helium, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen) across long
distances are a key element of a low-maintenance, economic, energy-efficient
launch site. The Cryogenics Test Laboratory is seeking to explore and develop
cryogenic transfer and distribution networks that greatly reduce recurring
cost by reducing hardware and support subsystems, increasing thermal performance,
and improving system dependability.
A three-way approach will leverage the development of new materials
and existing insulation test technology infrastructure of the
Cryogenics Test
Laboratory:
- Energy and Economics:
Explore key factors for providing energy-integrated fluid systems and
cost-effective operations.
- Advanced Engineering:
Address cryogenic piping design with respect to cost, maintenance, and thermal
performance.
- Novel Materials:
Exploit new insulation materials including layered composite insulation
(LCI), aerogels,
polyimides, and composites.
Accurate measurement of thermal performance will be accomplished
by using the Cryogenic Pipeline Test Apparatus and directly comparing
the results
with those from commercial pipelines. The 18-meter-long cryostat
(see
figure 1) is now in operation at the Cryogenics Test Laboratory
for conducting
accurate thermal performance tests using the liquid nitrogen evaporation
method. An example of the measured heat transfer data for several
test runs of two commercial pipelines is given in figure 2.
Key accomplishments:
- 2001: Completed
system calibration and the testing of commercial pipelines.
Key milestones:
- Produce concepts
for efficient storage, transfer, distribution, and control networks.
- Build prototype
18-meter pipelines based on efficiency targets relative to overall
launch site architectures and novel thermal insulation
system materials now available.
- Perform accurate
thermal performance testing of the prototype lines using
Cryogenic Pipeline Test Apparatus.
- Perform cost analysis
to compare the new technology with the standard vacuum-jacketed multilayer
insulation transfer
line technology.
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Figure 1. Overall View of Cryogenic Pipeline Test Apparatus
Contact: J.E.
Fesmire (James.Fesmire-1@ksc.nasa.gov),
YA-C2, (321) 867-7557
Participating Organization: Dynacs Inc. (Dr. S.D. Augustynowicz and Z.F. Nagy)
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