Design of a Helium Vapor Shroud for Liquid Hydrogen Fueling of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

Cryogenic Engineering Conference 2017

材料科学;物理学

Cavender, K.^1 ; Evans, C.^1 ; Haney, J.^1 ; Leachman, J.^1

HYdrogen Properties for Energy Research (HYPER) Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman

WA

99164-2920, United States^1

关键词: Condensation temperature;    Flammable mixtures;    Liquid hydrogen tanks;    Liquid-hydrogen fuel tanks;    Oxygen concentrations;    Printed materials;    Surface temperature gradient;    Temperature profiles;   

Others  :  https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1757-899X/278/1/012004/pdf
DOI  :  10.1088/1757-899X/278/1/012004

学科分类：材料科学（综合）

来源: IOP

【 摘 要 】

Filling a vehicular liquid hydrogen fuel tank presents the potential for flammable mixtures due to oxygen concentration from liquid air condensation. Current liquid hydrogen tank designs utilize insulating paradigms such as aerogel/fiberglass materials, vacuum jackets, or inert gas purge systems to keep the outer surface from reaching the condensation temperature of air. This work examines the heat transfer at the refuelling connection of the tank to identify potential areas of condensation, as well as the surface temperature gradient. A shrouded inert gas purge was designed to minimize vehicle weight and refuelling time. The design of a shrouded inert gas purge system is presented to displace air preventing air condensation. The design investigates 3D printed materials for an inert gas shroud, as well as low-temperature sealing designs. Shroud designs and temperature profiles were measured and tested by running liquid nitrogen through the filling manifold. Materials for the inert gas shroud are discussed and experimental results are compared to analytical model predictions. Suggestions for future design improvements are made.