A stage ring annular propellant tank

Abstract

The application relates to the field of rocket power systems, in particular to an upper stage annular propellant tank which comprises an upper tank shell, a lower tank shell, an upper tank management device and a lower tank management device; the upper tank shell and the lower tank shell are annular tank bodies, and the upper tank shell and the lower tank shell are stacked in layers; the upper tank management device is arranged in the upper tank shell, and a plurality of upper tank collectors of the upper tank management device are net collectors, and one upper tank collector is communicated to an upper tank liquid outlet; the lower tank management device is arranged in the lower tank shell, and a plurality of lower tank collectors of the lower tank management device are net collectors, and one upper tank collector is communicated to a lower tank liquid outlet. The application can be used for normal-temperature propellant upper stages and low-temperature propellant upper stages, can improve the structural efficiency, space utilization and propellant utilization, and can realize long-term on-orbit sliding and propellant supply requirements for multiple startings of main engines.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of rocket propulsion systems, and more particularly to an upper-stage annular propellant tank. Background Technology

[0002] The propellant tank is a crucial component of the upper-stage propulsion system of a launch vehicle, providing the upper-stage rocket engine with air-free propellant throughout the entire mission cycle. The choice of propellant tank structure depends primarily on a comprehensive comparison of factors such as overall layout, reliability, manufacturing capabilities, and economic efficiency. Traditional launch vehicle basic-stage propellant tank structures typically employ a tandem layout of spherical or ellipsoidal cylindrical double-bottomed tanks, or spherical or ellipsoidal cylindrical tanks with a common bottom. Due to space and mass limitations in the upper-stage propellant tanks, a parallel layout of spherical or ellipsoidal cylindrical double-bottomed tanks is usually adopted.

[0003] During its operation in orbit, the upper stage requires extended periods of on-orbit coasting and multiple starts of the main engine. Under microgravity conditions, propellant management is crucial to ensure that the delivery system provides unentrained propellant when the main engine restarts after prolonged coasting. Propellant management schemes can include continuous or intermittent sedimentation, as well as methods such as metal diaphragms, non-metallic diaphragms, bladder-type, piston-type, and surface tension-based systems.

[0004] If the upper-stage tank structure adopts a spherical, ellipsoidal, or cylindrical double-bottom configuration, or a spherical or ellipsoidal cylindrical common-bottom configuration with tanks connected in series, the height envelope will be insufficient to meet the spatial layout requirements of the upper stage. Similarly, if the upper-stage tank structure adopts a spherical or ellipsoidal cylindrical double-bottom configuration with tanks connected in parallel, the diameter envelope will be insufficient to meet the spatial layout requirements of the upper stage. For upper-stage tanks with large propellant masses, all of the above-mentioned schemes suffer from low structural efficiency and poor space utilization.

[0005] If the upper stage tank structure adopts a continuous, intermittent bottom-sinking propellant management scheme, an additional system is required to achieve bottom sinking, increasing the weight of the upper stage system and reducing the reliability of the upper stage power system. For a continuous bottom-sinking propellant management scheme, more propellant is consumed, making it unsuitable for upper stage coasting missions lasting several hours or days.

[0006] Furthermore, non-metallic diaphragm and bladder-type propellant tanks have oxidizer compatibility issues. Metallic diaphragm tanks can only accommodate spherical structures and are only suitable for ambient temperature propellants, not cryogenic propellants. Piston tanks can only accommodate cylindrical structures, have low structural efficiency, and are only suitable for ambient temperature propellants, not cryogenic propellants.

[0007] Therefore, how to improve the structural efficiency, space utilization, and propellant utilization of the upper stage propellant tank of a launch vehicle, adapt to propellants at room temperature and cryogenic temperature, and achieve long-term on-orbit coasting and propellant supply during multiple main engine starts are technical problems that need to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In view of this, this application provides an upper stage annular propellant tank that can be used for both ambient temperature and cryogenic propellant upper stages, thereby improving structural efficiency, space utilization, and propellant utilization, and meeting the propellant supply needs for long-term on-orbit coasting and multiple main engine start-ups.

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0010] An upper-stage annular propellant tank includes: an upper tank shell, a lower tank shell, an upper tank management device, and a lower tank management device; wherein the upper tank shell and the lower tank shell are both annular tanks, and the upper tank shell and the lower tank shell are stacked vertically; the upper part of the upper tank shell has an upper tank pressurization port, and the lower part of the upper tank shell has an upper tank liquid outlet and an upper tank filling port; the upper part of the lower tank shell has a lower tank pressurization port, and the lower part of the lower tank shell has a lower tank liquid outlet and a lower tank filling port; the upper tank management device is disposed on the upper tank shell. The upper tank management device is located inside the tank shell and includes: multiple upper tank collectors and multiple upper tank manifolds; the upper tank collectors are mesh collectors, and two adjacent upper tank collectors are connected through the upper tank manifolds; one upper tank collector is connected to the upper tank outlet; the lower tank management device is located inside the lower tank shell and includes: multiple lower tank collectors and multiple lower tank manifolds; the lower tank collectors are mesh collectors, and two adjacent lower tank collectors are connected through the lower tank manifolds; one lower tank collector is connected to the lower tank outlet.

[0011] In the above-described annular propellant tank, preferably, an upper tank partition is provided inside the upper tank shell to divide the upper tank shell into an upper tank upper compartment and an upper tank lower compartment, and an upper tank partition window, which is a mesh window, is provided on the upper tank partition. Similarly, a lower tank partition is provided inside the lower tank shell to divide the lower tank shell into a lower tank upper compartment and a lower tank lower compartment, and a lower tank partition window, which is a mesh window, is provided on the lower tank partition.

[0012] As described above, in the upper-stage annular propellant tank, preferably, the upper tank partition window comprises: a partition window frame, a partition window screen, and a partition window pressure plate; the partition window frame is hollow internally, and its outer wall has multiple windows that extend through the inside and outside; the partition window pressure plate has multiple windows that extend through both sides; the partition window pressure plate presses and fixes the partition window screen to the partition window frame so that the partition window screen covers all the windows of the partition window frame; the lower tank partition window comprises: a partition window frame, a partition window screen, and a partition window pressure plate; the partition window frame is hollow internally, and its outer wall has multiple windows that extend through the inside and outside; the partition window pressure plate has multiple windows that extend through both sides; the partition window pressure plate presses and fixes the partition window screen to the partition window frame so that the partition window screen covers all the windows of the partition window frame.

[0013] In the upper-stage annular propellant tank described above, preferably, the upper tank partition is provided with 12 to 18 upper tank partition windows, and the lower tank partition is provided with 12 to 18 upper tank partition windows.

[0014] In the upper-stage annular propellant tank described above, preferably, the upper tank management device is located in the lower compartment of the upper tank and near the bottom of the upper tank; the lower tank management device is located in the lower compartment of the lower tank and near the bottom of the lower tank.

[0015] As described above, the upper-stage annular propellant tank preferably includes the following: an upper tank collector comprising a collector frame, collector support plates, a collector screen, and a collector pressure plate; the collector frame is hollow internally, and its outer wall has multiple windows penetrating both the inside and outside; both the collector support plates and the collector pressure plate have multiple windows penetrating both sides; the collector pressure plate and the collector support plates clamp and fix the collector screen, and the collector support plates are fixed to the collector frame so that the collector screen covers all the windows of the collector frame; the lower tank collector comprises the following: a collector frame, collector support plates, a collector screen, and a collector pressure plate; the collector frame is hollow internally, and its outer wall has multiple windows penetrating both the inside and outside; both the collector support plates and the collector pressure plate have multiple windows penetrating both sides; the collector pressure plate and the collector support plates clamp and fix the collector screen, and the collector support plates are fixed to the collector frame so that the collector screen covers all the windows of the collector frame.

[0016] In the upper-stage annular propellant tank described above, preferably, both the collector screen and the partition window screen are metal twill mesh, and the equivalent aperture of the collector screen is smaller than that of the partition window screen.

[0017] The upper-stage annular propellant tank as described above, preferably, includes an upper tank management device comprising 8 to 12 upper tank collectors and a lower tank management device 9 comprising 8 to 12 lower tank collectors.

[0018] In the upper stage annular propellant tank described above, preferably, multiple upper tank anti-sway plates are arranged circumferentially in the upper and lower compartments of the upper tank; and multiple lower tank anti-sway plates are arranged circumferentially in the upper and lower compartments of the lower tank.

[0019] In the upper-stage annular propellant tank described above, preferably, the upper tank anti-sway plate includes an outer anti-sway plate and an inner anti-sway plate, which are arranged alternately; the lower tank anti-sway plate includes an outer anti-sway plate and an inner anti-sway plate, which are arranged alternately.

[0020] In the upper-stage annular propellant tank described above, preferably, the upper tank outlet and the upper tank filling port are the same opening, and the lower tank outlet and the lower tank filling port are the same opening.

[0021] Compared to the aforementioned background technology, the upper stage annular propellant tank provided in this application can be used for both ambient temperature and cryogenic propellant upper stages, thereby improving structural efficiency, space utilization, and propellant utilization, and meeting the propellant supply needs for long-term on-orbit coasting and multiple main engine start-ups. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the upper-stage annular propellant tank provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the upper storage tank management device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the lower tank management device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the upper / lower tank collector provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the upper / lower tank partition window provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 6 This is an arrangement diagram of the upper / lower tank anti-sway plates provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the common-bottom component provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the housing insulation provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0031] Wherein, 1-Upper tank shell; 2-Common bottom assembly; 3-Lower tank shell; 4-Upper tank partition; 5-Upper tank partition window; 6-Upper tank management device; 7-Lower tank partition; 8-Lower tank partition window; 9-Lower tank management device; 10-Lower tank outlet; 11-Lower tank filling port; 12-Upper tank outlet; 13-Upper tank filling port; 14-Upper tank pressurization port; 15-Lower tank pressurization port; 16-Mounting skirt; 17-Upper tank anti-sway plate; 18-Lower tank anti-sway plate; 19-Upper tank collector; 2 0-Upper tank manifold; 21-Lower tank collector; 22-Lower tank manifold; 23-Collector frame; 24-Collector support plate; 25-Collector screen; 26-Collector pressure plate; 27-Partition window frame; 28-Partition window screen; 29-Partition window pressure plate; 30-Outer anti-sway plate; 31-Inner anti-sway plate; 32-Upper tank cylindrical section shell; 33-Upper tank bottom; 34-Lower tank top; 35-Lower tank cylindrical section shell; 36-Vacuum honeycomb interlayer; 37-Polyurethane foam layer; 38-Insulation layer. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0033] Please see Figure 1 This application provides an upper stage annular propellant tank, comprising: an upper tank shell 1, a lower tank shell 3, an upper tank management device 6, and a lower tank management device 9.

[0034] Both the upper tank shell 1 and the lower tank shell 3 are annular boxes, and are stacked one on top of the other. Optionally, the upper tank shell 1 stores fuel, and the lower tank shell 3 stores oxidizer; alternatively, the upper tank shell 1 can store oxidizer, and the lower tank shell 3 can store fuel. Further options are available; please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 7The inner and outer edges of the lower bottom 33 of the upper tank have vertically extending mating walls, and the inner and outer edges of the upper bottom 34 of the lower tank also have vertically extending mating walls. The downward mating wall of the lower bottom 33 mates with the upward mating wall of the upper bottom 34, forming a heat-insulating space between them. A vacuum honeycomb interlayer 36 is installed within this heat-insulating space, forming a common bottom assembly 2. This common bottom assembly 2 not only isolates the oxidant and fuel but also prevents heat transfer between them. Optionally, an mounting skirt 16 is provided on the inner side of the common bottom assembly 2 for installing the tank or other products within the annular space of the tank. In addition, the upward docking wall of the upper storage tank bottom 33 docks with the cylindrical section shell 32 of the upper storage tank to form the upper storage tank shell 1, and the downward docking wall of the lower storage tank bottom 34 docks with the cylindrical section shell 3 of the lower storage tank to form the lower storage tank shell 3.

[0035] The upper part of the upper tank housing 1 has an upper tank pressurization port 14 for introducing gas into the upper tank housing 1 to pressurize it. The lower part of the upper tank housing 1 has an upper tank liquid outlet 12 and an upper tank filling port 13. The upper tank liquid outlet 12 is used to discharge liquid from the upper tank housing 1 to supply the main engine, and the upper tank filling port 13 is used to fill the upper tank housing 1. Optionally, the upper tank liquid outlet 12 and the upper tank filling port 13 are the same opening.

[0036] Optionally, an upper tank partition 4 is provided inside the upper tank shell 1 to divide the upper tank shell 1 into an upper tank compartment and an upper tank compartment. An upper tank partition window 5 is provided on the upper tank partition 4, connecting the upper and lower tank compartments, to ensure that liquid in the upper tank compartment can flow to the lower tank compartment. Alternatively, the upper tank partition 4 may have 12 to 18 upper tank partition windows 5. Still alternatively, the 12 to 18 upper tank partition windows 5 are evenly distributed on the upper tank partition 4.

[0037] Optionally, the upper storage tank partition window 5 is a mesh window. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5The upper tank bulkhead window 5 includes: a bulkhead window frame 27, a bulkhead window screen 28, and a bulkhead window pressure plate 29. The bulkhead window frame 27 is hollow inside, and the outer wall of the bulkhead window frame 28 has multiple windows that connect the inside and outside. The bulkhead window pressure plate 29 has multiple windows that connect both sides. The bulkhead window pressure plate 29 presses and fixes the bulkhead window screen 28 to the bulkhead window frame 27 so that the bulkhead window screen 28 covers all the windows of the bulkhead window frame 27. In a microgravity environment, a portion of the fuel in the upper compartment of the upper tank is in a floating state. Because there is a lot of fuel in the upper compartment of the upper tank, the screen of the upper tank bulkhead window 5 of the upper tank bulkhead 4 can always be wetted by fuel. The fuel forms a liquid film on the upper tank bulkhead window 5, which can prevent gas from entering the lower compartment of the upper tank through the upper tank bulkhead window 5, and the lower compartment of the upper tank is filled with fuel. When the upper stage main engine is ignited, it consumes fuel in the lower compartment of the upper tank. Under the action of positive overload, the fuel floating in the upper compartment of the upper tank will gradually settle at the middle bulkhead 4 of the upper tank and be replenished to the lower compartment of the upper tank through the screen of the upper tank bulkhead window 5, ensuring that the lower compartment of the upper tank is always full of fuel.

[0038] Optionally, the window on the outer wall of the partition window frame 27 can be a circular or irregularly shaped window, and the window on the partition window pressure plate 29 can also be a circular or irregularly shaped window. Alternatively, the partition window screen can be a twill screen. Still optional, the partition window pressure plate 29, the partition window screen 28, and the partition window frame 27 can be fixed by welding. Optionally, the thickness of the partition window pressure plate 29 can be 1mm to 2mm.

[0039] Please continue reading. Figure 1 The upper part of the lower tank housing 3 is provided with a lower tank pressurization port 15 for introducing gas into the lower tank housing 3 to pressurize it. The lower part of the lower tank housing 3 is provided with a lower tank outlet 10 and a lower tank filling port 11. The lower tank outlet 10 is used to discharge liquid from the lower tank housing 3 to supply the main engine, and the lower tank filling port 11 is used to fill the lower tank housing 3. Optionally, the lower tank outlet 10 and the lower tank filling port 11 are the same opening.

[0040] Optionally, a lower tank partition 7 is provided inside the lower tank shell 3 to divide the lower tank shell 3 into an upper lower tank compartment and a lower lower tank compartment. A lower tank partition window 8 is provided on the lower tank partition 7, connecting the upper and lower lower tank compartments, to ensure that liquid in the upper lower tank compartment can flow into the lower lower tank compartment. Alternatively, the lower tank partition 7 may have 12 to 18 lower tank partition windows 8. Still alternatively, the 12 to 18 lower tank partition windows 8 are evenly distributed on the lower tank partition 7.

[0041] Optionally, the lower tank partition window 8 can also be a mesh window. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5The lower tank bulkhead window 8 also includes: a bulkhead window frame 27, a bulkhead window screen 28, and a bulkhead window pressure plate 29; the interior of the bulkhead window frame 27 is hollow, and the outer wall of the bulkhead window frame 27 has multiple windows that connect the inside and outside; the bulkhead window pressure plate 29 has multiple windows that connect both sides; the bulkhead window pressure plate 29 presses and fixes the bulkhead window screen 28 to the bulkhead window frame 27 so that the bulkhead window screen 28 covers all the windows of the bulkhead window frame 27. In a microgravity environment, a portion of the oxidant in the upper compartment of the lower tank is in a floating state. Because there is more oxidant in the upper compartment of the lower tank, the screen of the lower tank bulkhead window 8 of the lower tank bulkhead 7 can always be wetted by oxidant. The oxidant forms a liquid film on the lower tank bulkhead window 8, which can prevent gas from entering the lower compartment of the lower tank through the lower tank bulkhead window 8, and the lower compartment of the lower tank is filled with oxidant. When the upper stage main engine is ignited, it consumes the oxidizer in the lower compartment of the lower tank. At the same time, under the action of positive overload, the oxidizer floating in the upper compartment of the lower tank will gradually deposit at the middle partition 7 of the lower tank and be replenished to the lower compartment of the lower tank through the screen of the lower tank partition window 8, so as to ensure that the lower compartment of the lower tank is always full of oxidizer.

[0042] Optionally, the window on the outer wall of the partition window frame 27 can be a circular or irregularly shaped window, and the window on the partition window pressure plate 29 can also be a circular or irregularly shaped window. Alternatively, the partition window screen can be a twill screen. Still optional, the partition window pressure plate 29, the partition window screen 28, and the partition window frame 27 can be fixed by welding. Optionally, the thickness of the partition window pressure plate 29 can be 1mm to 2mm.

[0043] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The upper tank management device 6 is disposed within the upper tank shell 1, and includes: multiple upper tank collectors 19 and multiple upper tank manifolds 20; the upper tank collectors 19 are mesh collectors, and two adjacent upper tank collectors 19 are connected through the upper tank manifolds 20; one upper tank collector 19 is connected to the upper tank outlet 12. Optionally, the upper tank management device 6 is disposed within the lower compartment of the upper tank, and near the lower bottom 33 of the upper tank. Optionally, the upper tank management device 6 includes: 8 to 12 upper tank collectors 19.

[0044] Please see Figure 4The upper tank collector 19 includes: a collector frame 23, a collector support plate 24, a collector screen 25, and a collector pressure plate 26. The collector frame 23 is hollow inside, and its outer wall has multiple windows that connect the inside and outside. Both the collector support plate 24 and the collector pressure plate 26 have multiple windows that connect both sides. The collector pressure plate 26 and the collector support plate 24 clamp and fix the collector screen 25, and the collector support plate 24 is fixed to the collector frame 23 so that the collector screen 25 covers all the windows of the collector frame 23. As the fuel in the upper tank is consumed, in a microgravity environment, a portion of the fuel in the lower tank of the upper tank floats. Under the action of the upper tank anti-sway plate 17, most of the collector screen 25 of the upper tank collector 19 is always wetted by fuel. The fuel forms a liquid film on the upper tank collector 19, which can prevent gas from entering the engine through the upper tank collector 19, and the upper tank collector 19 is always full of fuel. When the upper stage main engine is ignited, it consumes the fuel in the upper tank collector 19. Under the action of positive overload, the floating fuel will gradually settle in the upper tank collector 19 and be replenished to the upper tank collector 19 through the screen of collector 25, ensuring that the upper tank collector 19 is always full of fuel.

[0045] Optionally, the windows on the outer wall of the collector frame 23 are rectangular or square windows, and the windows on the collector support plate 24 and the collector pressure plate 25 are also rectangular or square windows. Alternatively, the collector screen 25 is a twill screen. Still optionally, the collector support plate 24, the collector screen 25, and the collector pressure plate 26 are fixed by welding; the collector support plate 24 and the collector frame 23 are also fixed by welding. Still optionally, the thickness of the collector support plate 24 and the collector pressure plate 26 is 1mm to 2mm.

[0046] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 3 The lower tank management device 9 is disposed within the lower tank shell 3, and includes: multiple lower tank collectors 21 and multiple lower tank manifolds 22; the lower tank collectors 21 are mesh collectors, and two adjacent lower tank collectors 21 are connected through the lower tank manifolds 22; one lower tank collector 21 is connected to the lower tank outlet 10. Optionally, the lower tank management device 9 is disposed within the lower compartment of the lower tank and near the bottom of the lower tank. Optionally, the lower tank management device 9 includes: 8 to 12 lower tank collectors 21.

[0047] Please see Figure 4The lower tank collector 21 also includes: a collector frame 23, a collector support plate 24, a collector screen 25, and a collector pressure plate 26. The collector frame 23 is hollow inside, and its outer wall has multiple windows that connect the inside and outside. Both the collector support plate 24 and the collector pressure plate 26 have multiple windows that connect both sides. The collector pressure plate 26 and the collector support plate 24 clamp and fix the collector screen 25, and the collector support plate 24 is fixed to the collector frame 23 so that the collector screen 25 covers all the windows of the collector frame 23. As the oxidant in the upper compartment of the lower tank is consumed, under microgravity conditions, a portion of the oxidant in the lower compartment of the lower tank floats. Under the action of the lower tank anti-sway baffle 18, most of the collector screen 25 of the lower tank collector 21 is always wetted with oxidant. The oxidant forms a liquid film on the lower tank collector 21, which can prevent gas from entering the engine through the lower tank collector 21, and the lower tank collector 21 is always full of oxidant. When the upper stage main engine is ignited, on the one hand, the oxidant in the lower tank collector 21 is consumed, and on the other hand, under the action of positive overload, the floating oxidant will gradually deposit on the lower tank collector 21 and be replenished to the lower tank collector 21 through the collector screen 25, ensuring that the lower tank collector 21 is always in a state of being full of oxidant.

[0048] Optionally, the windows on the outer wall of the collector frame 23 are rectangular or square windows, and the windows on the collector support plate 24 and the collector pressure plate 25 are also rectangular or square windows. Alternatively, the collector screen 25 is a twill screen. Still optionally, the collector support plate 24, the collector screen 25, and the collector pressure plate 26 are fixed by welding; the collector support plate 24 and the collector frame 23 are also fixed by welding. Still optionally, the thickness of the collector support plate 24 and the collector pressure plate 26 is 1mm to 2mm.

[0049] Based on the above, both the collector screen 25 and the partition window screen 28 are metal twill mesh, and the equivalent aperture of the collector screen 25 is smaller than the equivalent aperture of the partition window screen 28.

[0050] Please continue reading. Figure 1 Multiple upper tank anti-sway baffles 17 are arranged circumferentially in the upper and lower compartments of the upper tank shell 1. Optionally, the upper tank anti-sway baffles 17 are "L" or "T" shaped, and have multiple circular holes. By setting the shape of the upper tank anti-sway baffles 17 to "L" or "T", the fluctuation and impact of liquid fuel in both circumferential and radial directions can be reduced. Alternatively, the upper tank anti-sway baffles 17 can be made of thin metal sheets.

[0051] Please see Figure 6The upper tank anti-sway plate 17 includes an outer anti-sway plate 30 and an inner anti-sway plate 31. The outer anti-sway plate 30 is fixed to the inner wall of the outer side of the upper tank shell 1, and the inner anti-sway plate 31 is fixed to the inner wall of the inner side of the upper tank shell 1. The outer anti-sway plate 30 and the inner anti-sway plate 31 are arranged alternately. Optionally, the outer anti-sway plates 30 are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the outer side of the upper tank shell 1, and the inner anti-sway plates 31 are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the inner side of the upper tank shell 1.

[0052] Still refer to Figure 1 Multiple anti-sway baffles 18 are arranged circumferentially in the upper and lower compartments of the lower tank within the lower tank shell 3. Optionally, the anti-sway baffles 18 are L-shaped or T-shaped, and have multiple circular holes. By setting the shape of the anti-sway baffles 18 to L-shaped or T-shaped, the fluctuation and impact of the liquid oxidant in both circumferential and radial directions can be reduced. Alternatively, the anti-sway baffles 18 may be made of thin metal sheets.

[0053] Still refer to Figure 6 The lower tank anti-sway plate 18 also includes an outer anti-sway plate 30 and an inner anti-sway plate 31. The outer anti-sway plate 30 is fixed to the inner wall of the outer side of the lower tank shell 3, and the inner anti-sway plate 31 is fixed to the inner wall of the inner side of the lower tank shell 3. The outer anti-sway plate 30 and the inner anti-sway plate 31 are arranged alternately. Optionally, the outer anti-sway plates 30 are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the outer side of the lower tank shell 3, and the inner anti-sway plates 31 are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the inner side of the lower tank shell 3.

[0054] Please see Figure 8 Both the upper tank shell 1 and the lower tank shell 3 are covered with an insulation layer 37, and the insulation layer 37 is covered with a heat insulation layer 38, so that the upper stage annular propellant tank can store cryogenic propellants. Optionally, the insulation layer 37 is a polyurethane foam layer.

[0055] Compared to existing upper-stage propulsion systems, the annular propellant tank of this application, being an annular common-bottom tank, improves structural efficiency and space utilization. Furthermore, because the annular propellant tank is divided into upper and lower compartments by a central bulkhead and bulkhead window, and both upper and lower tank management devices are installed in the lower compartment, it ensures that the main engine is supplied with unentrained propellant after prolonged coasting. Therefore, compared to existing technologies, this application eliminates the need for a separate bottom-mounted system, improving propellant utilization and extending the upper stage's on-orbit operating time. Moreover, the annular propellant tank of this application can be used for both ambient temperature and cryogenic propellant upper stages, making it versatile.

[0056] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this application is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that this application can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this application. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this application is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within this application. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0057] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A toroidal propellant tank having a plurality of stages, characterized in that, The application relates to a fuel tank, which comprises an upper tank shell, a lower tank shell, an upper tank management device and a lower tank management device. The upper tank shell and the lower tank shell are both annular tank bodies, the upper tank shell and the lower tank shell are stacked in layers, the downward butt joint wall of the lower bottom of the upper tank is butted with the upward butt joint wall of the upper bottom of the lower tank, a heat insulation space is formed between the lower bottom of the upper tank and the upper bottom of the lower tank, a vacuum honeycomb sandwich is arranged in the heat insulation space, and a common bottom assembly is formed by the lower bottom of the upper tank, the upper bottom of the lower tank and the vacuum honeycomb sandwich. An upper tank pressurizing port is arranged on the upper part of the upper tank shell, an upper tank liquid outlet and an upper tank filling port are arranged on the lower part of the upper tank shell, a lower tank pressurizing port is arranged on the upper part of the lower tank shell, and a lower tank liquid outlet and a lower tank filling port are arranged on the lower part of the lower tank shell. A middle partition plate is arranged in the upper tank shell, so that the upper tank shell is divided into an upper tank upper cabin and an upper tank lower cabin, the middle partition plate is provided with an upper tank partition plate window penetrating through the upper tank upper cabin and the upper tank lower cabin, the upper tank partition plate window is a mesh-shaped partition window, a middle partition plate is arranged in the lower tank shell, so that the lower tank shell is divided into a lower tank upper cabin and a lower tank lower cabin, the middle partition plate is provided with a lower tank partition plate window penetrating through the lower tank upper cabin and the lower tank lower cabin, and the lower tank partition plate window is a mesh-shaped partition window. The upper tank management device is arranged in the upper tank lower cabin and close to the lower bottom of the upper tank, the upper tank management device comprises a plurality of upper tank collectors and a plurality of upper tank collectors, the upper tank collector is a mesh-shaped collector, two adjacent upper tank collectors are communicated through an upper tank collector, one upper tank collector is communicated to the upper tank liquid outlet, the lower tank management device is arranged in the lower tank lower cabin and close to the lower bottom of the lower tank, the lower tank management device comprises a plurality of lower tank collectors and a plurality of lower tank collectors, the lower tank collector is a mesh-shaped collector, two adjacent lower tank collectors are communicated through a lower tank collector, and one lower tank collector is communicated to the lower tank liquid outlet. A plurality of upper tank anti-sloshing plates are arranged in the upper tank upper cabin and the upper tank lower cabin in a circumferential direction, the upper tank anti-sloshing plate is in the shape of an "L" or a "T", a plurality of circular holes are arranged on the upper tank anti-sloshing plate, the collector screen of the upper tank collector is soaked by fuel under the action of the upper tank anti-sloshing plate, a plurality of lower tank anti-sloshing plates are arranged in the lower tank upper cabin and the lower tank lower cabin in a circumferential direction, the lower tank anti-sloshing plate is in the shape of an "L" or a "T", a plurality of circular holes are arranged on the lower tank anti-sloshing plate, and the collector screen of the lower tank collector is soaked by the oxidant under the action of the lower tank anti-sloshing plate. The upper tank partition plate window comprises a partition plate window framework, a partition plate window screen and a partition plate window pressing plate, the inside of the partition plate window framework is hollow, a plurality of windows penetrating the inside and the outside are arranged on the outer wall of the partition plate window framework, the partition plate window pressing plate has a plurality of windows penetrating two sides, and the partition plate window screen is tightly fixed to the partition plate window framework by the partition plate window pressing plate, so that the partition plate window screen covers all the windows of the partition plate window framework.

2. The upper stage annular propellant tank of claim 1, wherein, ​ The upper tank baffle window comprises a baffle window framework, a baffle window screen and a baffle window pressing plate; the baffle window framework is hollow inside, and a plurality of windows are arranged on the outer wall of the baffle window framework; the baffle window pressing plate has a plurality of windows penetrating through both sides; the baffle window pressing plate tightly fixes the baffle window screen to the baffle window framework, so that the baffle window screen covers all the windows of the baffle window framework.

3. An upper stage annular propellant tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that, The upper tank baffle is provided with 12-18 upper tank baffle windows, and the lower tank baffle is provided with 12-18 upper tank baffle windows.

4. An upper stage annular propellant tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that, The upper tank collector comprises a collector framework, a collector support plate, a collector screen and a collector pressing plate; the collector framework is hollow inside, and a plurality of windows are arranged on the outer wall of the collector framework; the collector support plate and the collector pressing plate both have a plurality of windows penetrating through both sides; the collector pressing plate and the collector support plate tightly fix the collector screen, and the collector support plate is fixed to the collector framework, so that the collector screen covers all the windows of the collector framework. The lower tank collector comprises a collector framework, a collector support plate, a collector screen and a collector pressing plate; the collector framework is hollow inside, and a plurality of windows are arranged on the outer wall of the collector framework; the collector support plate and the collector pressing plate both have a plurality of windows penetrating through both sides; the collector pressing plate and the collector support plate tightly fix the collector screen, and the collector support plate is fixed to the collector framework, so that the collector screen covers all the windows of the collector framework.

5. An upper stage annular propellant tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that, The collector screen and the baffle window screen are both metal twill screens, and the equivalent aperture of the collector screen is smaller than that of the baffle window screen.

6. The upper stage annular propellant tank of claim 1 or 2, wherein The upper tank anti-sloshing plate comprises an outer anti-sloshing plate and an inner anti-sloshing plate, and the outer anti-sloshing plate and the inner anti-sloshing plate are staggered. The lower tank anti-sloshing plate comprises an outer anti-sloshing plate and an inner anti-sloshing plate, and the outer anti-sloshing plate and the inner anti-sloshing plate are staggered.

7. An upper stage annular propellant tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that, The upper tank liquid outlet and the upper tank filling port are the same opening, and the lower tank liquid outlet and the lower tank filling port are the same opening.

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