A cryogenic propellant storage device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a low temperature propellant storage device, it includes low temperature storage jar, exhaust line and transmission mechanism connected in low temperature storage jar. This low temperature propellant storage device sets up first pressure sensor, first exhaust valve, anti -suck -back isolation chamber, second exhaust valve in exhaust line in proper order, and is equipped with second pressure sensor and transmission mechanism, and through double pressure sensor respectively monitoring low temperature storage jar and anti -suck -back isolation chamber pressure, provides data basis for pressure control and seal monitoring. In addition through anti -suck -back isolation chamber can be isolated outside air when first exhaust valve or second exhaust valve seal failure, avoid propellant pollution, solved the problem that traditional device seal failure can not prevent pollution. The transmission mechanism can be set up simultaneously and control first exhaust valve and second exhaust valve movement accurately, replace traditional manual operation, improve control precision and response speed, satisfy complex working condition demand.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cryogenic propellant storage and refueling technology for launch vehicles, and in particular to a cryogenic propellant storage device. Background Technology

[0002] Cryogenic propellant storage at launch sites is typically at atmospheric or pressurized conditions. The temperature of the propellant inside the tank is near its boiling point, and continuous vaporization due to heat leakage prevents outside air and moisture from entering the tank. With advancements in rocket technology, propellant temperatures need to be further reduced to supercooled or deeply supercooled states. In a supercooled state, the pressure in the gas pillow inside the tank is lower than the local atmospheric pressure. External gases may enter the tank due to leaky valves, contaminating the propellant and potentially causing hazards. For currently used cryogenic tanks, once a sealing problem is discovered, it is impossible to determine or prevent contamination. Introducing inert gas can increase the gas pillow pressure, but this method has significant limitations regarding the type and quality of the gas, and long-term storage may also contaminate the propellant. Traditional anti-backflow devices for tanks often rely on simple valve control, lacking intelligence and precision, and cannot meet the needs of complex operating conditions and unattended operation. This invention aims to provide an intelligent, responsive cryogenic anti-backflow negative pressure tank that achieves precise control and anti-backflow protection of the tank through advanced pressure-sensing materials and intelligent algorithms. Utility Model Content

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a cryogenic propellant storage device.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is: to construct a cryogenic propellant storage device, which includes a cryogenic storage tank, an exhaust pipe connected to the cryogenic storage tank, and a transmission mechanism;

[0005] The exhaust pipe is provided with a first pressure sensor, a first exhaust valve, an anti-backflow isolation chamber and a second exhaust valve in sequence along its exhaust direction, and the second pressure sensor is connected to the anti-backflow isolation chamber.

[0006] The first pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure value of the cryogenic storage tank, and the second pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure value of the anti-backflow isolation chamber. The anti-backflow isolation chamber is used to isolate the outside air and, together with the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor, monitor the sealing status of the first exhaust valve and the second exhaust valve.

[0007] The transmission mechanism is mechanically connected to the first exhaust valve and the second exhaust valve, and is used to drive the first exhaust valve and the second exhaust valve to move.

[0008] In some embodiments, a pressure sensor is installed on the first exhaust valve.

[0009] In some embodiments, the pressure sensor is a piezoelectric ceramic material pressure sensor made of lead zirconate titanate.

[0010] In some embodiments, an air supply line is connected to the exhaust pipe, and the output end of the air supply line is connected between the first exhaust valve and the anti-backflow isolation chamber.

[0011] In some embodiments, the gas supply line is provided with a gas supply control valve.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cryogenic storage tank is further connected to a liquid inlet pipeline, and the liquid inlet pipeline is equipped with a liquid inlet control valve.

[0013] In some embodiments, the cryogenic storage tank is also connected to a safety valve.

[0014] In some embodiments, the transmission mechanism employs an electric push rod.

[0015] In some embodiments, the cryogenic propellant storage device further includes a control and alarm unit, which includes a microprocessor and an alarm module. The microprocessor is electrically connected to the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor, and the alarm module is electrically connected to the microprocessor.

[0016] In some embodiments, the tank wall of the cryogenic storage tank is provided with an insulation layer.

[0017] The present invention offers the following advantages: This cryogenic propellant storage device, by sequentially installing a first pressure sensor, a first exhaust valve, an anti-backflow isolation chamber, and a second exhaust valve in the exhaust pipeline, and equipping it with a second pressure sensor and a transmission mechanism, monitors the pressure of the cryogenic storage tank and the anti-backflow isolation chamber using dual pressure sensors, providing a data basis for pressure control and seal monitoring. Furthermore, the anti-backflow isolation chamber isolates external air in the event of seal failure of either the first or second exhaust valve, preventing propellant contamination and solving the problem of traditional devices failing to prevent contamination after seal failure. Simultaneously, the transmission mechanism precisely controls the movement of the first and second exhaust valves, replacing traditional manual operation, improving control accuracy and response speed, and meeting the needs of complex operating conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this utility model, the present utility model will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be considered as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a cryogenic propellant storage device in some embodiments of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of this utility model, the specific embodiments of this utility model are now described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, it should be understood that the orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "longitudinal," "horizontal," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "head," and "tail" are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are constructed and operated in a specific orientation. They are only for the convenience of describing this technical solution and do not indicate that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0021] It should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," "fixing," and "setting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. When an component is referred to as being "on" or "below" another component, the component can be located "directly" or "indirectly" on the other component, or there may be one or more intermediary components. The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are only for the convenience of describing this technical solution and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined with "first," "second," "third," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0022] Please see Figure 1This invention relates to a cryogenic propellant storage device in some embodiments, comprising a cryogenic tank 1, an exhaust pipe 2 connected to the cryogenic tank 1, and a transmission mechanism. The exhaust pipe 2 is sequentially provided with a first pressure sensor 21, a first exhaust valve 22, an anti-backflow isolation chamber 23, and a second exhaust valve 24 along its exhaust direction. A second pressure sensor 25 is connected to the anti-backflow isolation chamber 23. The first pressure sensor 21 detects the pressure value of the cryogenic tank 1, and the second pressure sensor 25 detects the pressure value of the anti-backflow isolation chamber 23. The anti-backflow isolation chamber 23 isolates external air and, together with the first pressure sensor 21 and the second pressure sensor 25, monitors the sealing condition of the first exhaust valve 22 and the second exhaust valve 24. The transmission mechanism is mechanically connected to the first exhaust valve 22 and the second exhaust valve 24 and is used to drive the first exhaust valve 22 and the second exhaust valve 24 to move.

[0023] Specifically, the cryogenic storage tank 1 is used to store supercooled or saturated cryogenic liquids. The anti-backflow isolation chamber 23 is used to monitor the valve sealing condition and prevent external air from entering the cryogenic storage tank 1 under negative pressure conditions in case of seal failure. Both the first pressure sensor 21 and the second pressure sensor 25 are high-precision electronic pressure sensors used to measure the pressure values ​​of the cryogenic storage tank 1 and the anti-backflow isolation chamber 23 in real time. The pressure changes in the anti-backflow isolation chamber 23 are used to monitor the sealing condition of the exhaust valves. The first exhaust valve 22 can be used to close when the pressure inside the cryogenic storage tank 1 is lower than atmospheric pressure under normal storage conditions and to open when the pressure inside the cryogenic storage tank 1 is higher than atmospheric pressure. Both the first exhaust valve 22 and the second exhaust valve 24 can be one-way valves and can be set with opening pressure values.

[0024] Understandably, this cryogenic propellant storage device, by sequentially installing a first pressure sensor 21, a first exhaust valve 22, an anti-backflow isolation chamber 23, and a second exhaust valve 24 in the exhaust pipe 2, and equipped with a second pressure sensor 25 and a transmission mechanism, monitors the pressure of the cryogenic storage tank 1 and the anti-backflow isolation chamber 23 through dual pressure sensors, providing a data basis for pressure control and seal monitoring. Furthermore, the anti-backflow isolation chamber 23 can isolate external air in the event of seal failure of either the first exhaust valve 22 or the second exhaust valve 24, preventing propellant contamination and solving the problem of traditional devices failing to prevent contamination after seal failure. Simultaneously, the transmission mechanism allows for precise control of the movement of the first exhaust valve 22 and the second exhaust valve 24, replacing traditional manual operation, improving control accuracy and response speed, and meeting the needs of complex operating conditions.

[0025] A pressure sensing element is installed on the first exhaust valve 22. This pressure sensing element is made of lead zirconate titanate piezoelectric ceramic material, which has excellent piezoelectric properties. It can be fixed to a predetermined position on the valve core and base of the first exhaust valve 22 using a special adhesive that is low-temperature resistant and has high bonding strength. This allows for precise sensing of minute displacements of the valve core, converting the displacement signal into an electrical signal that is transmitted to subsequent control components to assist in determining the sealing status of the first exhaust valve 22. This pressure sensing element, together with the first pressure sensor 21 and the second pressure sensor 25, constitutes a multi-dimensional pressure monitoring system capable of real-time monitoring of pressure changes at the valve core position, the pressure in the cryogenic storage tank 1, and the pressure in the anti-backflow isolation chamber 23.

[0026] An air supply line 3 is connected to the exhaust pipe 2, and the output end of the air supply line 3 is connected between the first exhaust valve 22 and the anti-backflow isolation chamber 23. With the exhaust pipe 2 connected to the air supply line 3 and its output end located between the first exhaust valve 22 and the anti-backflow isolation chamber 23, a pressure barrier higher than atmospheric pressure can be formed within the anti-backflow isolation chamber 23. When supercooled propellant is stored, the cryogenic storage tank 1 is under negative pressure. This pressure barrier effectively resists the infiltration of outside air into the anti-backflow isolation chamber 23. Even if the first exhaust valve 22 experiences a slight sealing problem, outside air will have difficulty breaking through the positive pressure environment of the anti-backflow isolation chamber 23 to enter the cryogenic storage tank 1, significantly improving the anti-backflow effect. An air supply control valve 31 is installed on the air supply line 3, which can automatically control the pressurization of the isolation chamber. Without the need for manual adjustment of the air supply flow, the microprocessor can automatically open or close the air supply control valve 31 based on the detection result of the second pressure sensor 25, ensuring that the pressure within the anti-backflow isolation chamber 23 is maintained within a preset safe range.

[0027] The cryogenic storage tank 1 is also connected to an inlet pipeline 4, which provides a dedicated channel for propellant replenishment. The inlet pipeline 4 is equipped with an inlet control valve 41, which can precisely adjust the inlet flow rate.

[0028] The cryogenic storage tank 1 is also connected to a safety valve 11. When the transmission mechanism fails to control the exhaust valve to release pressure, or when the pressure inside the cryogenic storage tank 1 rises rapidly due to sudden heat leakage or other reasons, the safety valve 11 can automatically open to release pressure, so as to avoid overpressure of the cryogenic storage tank 1 and cause structural damage or safety accidents.

[0029] The transmission mechanism adopts an electric push rod, which is connected to the valve on the exhaust pipe 2 through a mechanical connection device consisting of a high-precision coupling and a lead screw and nut pair. This ensures that the control commands of the microprocessor can be accurately converted into the displacement of the valve core. The motor of the electric push rod precisely adjusts the position of the valve core according to the signal of the microprocessor to ensure that the valve opening meets the control requirements.

[0030] The cryogenic propellant storage device also includes a control and alarm unit, which comprises a microprocessor and an alarm module. The microprocessor is electrically connected to the first pressure sensor 21 and the second pressure sensor 25, and the alarm module is electrically connected to the microprocessor. The microprocessor of the control and alarm unit is electrically connected to each sensor and actuator, enabling centralized data processing and intelligent control. The alarm module works in conjunction with the microprocessor to ensure accurate triggering of alarm signals. Specifically, the microprocessor employs a preset algorithm based on a pressure-opening control model optimized using fuzzy control theory and neural network algorithms. In the fuzzy control section, the measured values ​​of pressure and temperature are fuzzified into different fuzzy sets (e.g., pressure is divided into low, medium, and high fuzzy sets, and temperature is divided into low, medium, and high fuzzy sets). Fuzzy rules, such as "if the pressure is low and the temperature is low, then the opening is small," are formulated based on experience or experimental data. The control quantity is obtained through fuzzy inference and declarative processing. The preset algorithm can perform compensation calculations based on the temperature data within the cryogenic storage tank 1. The relationship between temperature, pressure, and valve core displacement is established through experimental data or theoretical models. When the temperature changes, the calculated valve core displacement is corrected to ensure stable valve operation under different temperature environments and avoid malfunctions caused by temperature changes. For the neural network part, a three-layer neural network (input layer, hidden layer, output layer) is adopted. The input layer receives pressure and temperature data, the hidden layer processes the data using an activation function (such as the sigmoid function), and the output layer outputs the valve core displacement and valve status control information. Based on the algorithm processing results, the microprocessor evaluates the operating status of cryogenic storage tank 1 in advance, predicting the risk of decreased valve sealing performance or abnormal pressure in cryogenic storage tank 1. When a risk is predicted, a precise alarm signal (which can be an audible and visual alarm or a remote alarm) is sent to the control alarm unit. On the other hand, when a sudden pressure change is detected that causes valve sealing failure, a suitable valve core displacement is quickly calculated, and the transmission mechanism is driven to attempt to tighten the exhaust valve. If tightening is successful, an operation success message is sent to the control alarm unit; if tightening cannot be achieved, an alarm is immediately sent to the control alarm unit to remind the staff to check and maintain.

[0031] The cryogenic storage tank 1 has an insulation layer on its wall. The insulation layer can significantly reduce the exchange of heat between the inside and outside, reduce the amount of propellant vaporization caused by heat leakage, reduce pressure fluctuations, and maintain the stability of the propellant temperature, preventing the overcooled propellant from prematurely heating to saturation.

[0032] The specific implementation method of the cryogenic propellant storage device is as follows:

[0033] Method 1: Negative pressure storage of subcooled liquid;

[0034] When the cryogenic storage tank 1 stores supercooled cryogenic liquid, the first vent valve 22 and the second vent valve 24 are closed. Gas is introduced into the anti-backflow isolation chamber 23 through the gas supply line 3. Once the pressure reaches the required range, the gas supply control valve 31 is closed. The pressure in the anti-backflow isolation chamber 23 should be greater than the local atmospheric pressure. The first pressure sensor 21 continuously monitors the pressure inside the cryogenic storage tank 1, and the second pressure sensor 25 continuously monitors the pressure in the anti-backflow isolation chamber 23. When the first vent valve 22 senses a slight displacement of the valve core through the pressure sensor and the pressure of the second pressure sensor 25 decreases, it indicates that the sealing performance of the first vent valve 22 has deteriorated. The microprocessor quickly calculates the appropriate valve core displacement based on a preset algorithm and drives the transmission mechanism to attempt to tighten the first vent valve 22. If tightening is successful, a success message is sent to the control alarm unit; if tightening fails, an alarm is immediately sent to the control alarm unit to remind personnel to check and maintain the valve. If the first exhaust valve 22 has no slight displacement of the valve core, the second exhaust valve 24 needs to be inspected. In addition, since the anti-backflow isolation chamber 23 has limited length and volume, by setting a reasonable pressure range, it can be ensured that the liquid in the cryogenic storage tank 1 will not be seriously contaminated under the condition of sealing failure of the first exhaust valve 22.

[0035] Method 2: Heating the subcooled liquid to the saturated liquid level:

[0036] When the cryogenic liquid in cryogenic storage tank 1 has been stored for a period of time and its temperature has risen to the saturation temperature and gradually evaporates, the pressure in the gas pillow inside cryogenic storage tank 1 will increase. Once the pressure reaches a set threshold, an alarm will sound, and the operator will need to depressurize cryogenic storage tank 1. During depressurization, the first vent valve 22 and the second vent valve 24 will open to release the gas. If the gas can be directly discharged into the atmosphere, it can be discharged directly. If the gas needs to be treated, it should be treated according to relevant regulations, such as combustion. After depressurization, if the liquid needs to be stored under pressure, only one of the first vent valve 22 and the second vent valve 24 can be kept closed, and depressurization should be performed periodically thereafter. If the liquid vapor can be directly discharged into the atmosphere, the first vent valve 22 and the second vent valve 24 can be kept open.

[0037] Method 3: Storing saturated liquids:

[0038] When storing saturated liquid, it can be stored directly according to the general usage method of cryogenic storage tank 1, that is, the treatment method after depressurization in mode 2, to ensure that the cryogenic liquid is discharged regularly or continuously after vaporization, and to avoid overpressure of cryogenic storage tank 1.

[0039] It is understood that the above embodiments only illustrate preferred embodiments of the present utility model, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present utility model patent. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, the above technical features can be freely combined, and several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present utility model, all of which fall within the protection scope of the present utility model. Therefore, all equivalent transformations and modifications made within the scope of the claims of the present utility model should fall within the coverage of the claims of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A cryogenic propellant storage device, characterized in that, It includes a cryogenic storage tank (1), an exhaust pipe (2) connected to the cryogenic storage tank (1), and a transmission mechanism; The exhaust pipe (2) is provided with a first pressure sensor (21), a first exhaust valve (22), an anti-backflow isolation chamber (23) and a second exhaust valve (24) in sequence along its exhaust direction. The anti-backflow isolation chamber (23) is connected to a second pressure sensor (25). The first pressure sensor (21) is used to detect the pressure value of the cryogenic storage tank (1), and the second pressure sensor (25) is used to detect the pressure value of the anti-backflow isolation chamber (23). The anti-backflow isolation chamber (23) is used to isolate the outside air and, together with the first pressure sensor (21) and the second pressure sensor (25), monitor the sealing status of the first exhaust valve (22) and the second exhaust valve (24). The transmission mechanism is mechanically connected to the first exhaust valve (22) and the second exhaust valve (24), and is used to drive the first exhaust valve (22) and the second exhaust valve (24) to move.

2. The cryogenic propellant storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A pressure sensing plate is installed on the first exhaust valve (22).

3. The cryogenic propellant storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure sensor is a piezoelectric ceramic material pressure sensor made of lead zirconate titanate.

4. The cryogenic propellant storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The exhaust pipe (2) is connected to an air supply line (3), and the output end of the air supply line (3) is connected between the first exhaust valve (22) and the anti-backflow isolation chamber (23).

5. The cryogenic propellant storage device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The gas supply pipeline (3) is equipped with a gas supply control valve (31).

6. The cryogenic propellant storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cryogenic storage tank (1) is also connected to an inlet pipeline (4), and an inlet control valve (41) is provided on the inlet pipeline (4).

7. The cryogenic propellant storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cryogenic storage tank (1) is also connected to a safety valve (11).

8. The cryogenic propellant storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism uses an electric push rod.

9. The cryogenic propellant storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cryogenic propellant storage device further includes a control and alarm unit, which includes a microprocessor and an alarm module. The microprocessor is electrically connected to the first pressure sensor (21) and the second pressure sensor (25), and the alarm module is electrically connected to the microprocessor.

10. The cryogenic propellant storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wall of the cryogenic storage tank (1) is provided with an insulation layer.

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