Cryogenic Tank Partition for Propellant Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cryogenic tanks in space launchers face challenges in dynamically and thermally managing cryogenic propellants during transient and ballistic phases, leading to excessive evaporation and cooling of the gas dome, as existing solutions fail to effectively retain propellants and prevent wall wetting and evaporation.
Innovation Solution
A partition within the tank extends from the wall towards the center, inclined slightly, creating upper and lower volumes that communicate through an opening, allowing normal flow during thrust phases and retaining propellants in the lower part, reducing evaporation and heating, and is flexible with a tubular portion oriented towards the lower end, made of lightweight materials like glass fabric.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If capillary forces are used to retain propellants in the lower part of the tank, then propellant retention is improved, but thermo-capillary instabilities occur leading to evaporation near capillary systems and loss of efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the capillary system from the tank configuration entirely, replacing it with a partition-based solution. This extraction eliminates the source of thermo-capillary instabilities while maintaining propellant retention through gravitational forces acting on the partitioned liquid volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the need for propellant retention and the avoidance of evaporation. By creating a physical barrier that directs liquid flow through gravity, it achieves retention without the thermal instabilities associated with capillary systems.
2Ease of operation
If anti-sway rings are installed on the walls to break waves, then wave breaking is improved, but propellant retention during strong dynamic disturbances and prolonged roll is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tank is segmented into multiple compartments by partitions positioned at different locations. This segmentation creates multiple retention zones that work together to maintain propellant in the lower part during strong dynamic disturbances and prolonged roll, overcoming the limitations of single anti-sway rings.
3Reliability
If magnetic fields are used to redirect and maintain liquid position, then liquid positioning is improved, but transient phenomena are not fully addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The partition system provides a passive dynamic response to transient phenomena through its geometric configuration. The inclined planes and openings automatically adjust liquid flow based on the magnitude and direction of acceleration forces, providing adaptability to various transient conditions without active control systems.
4Productivity
If partitions are used to allow liquid flow by gravity from upper to lower volume, then normal flow during thrust phase is improved, but liquid rise under acceleration forces must be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The partition incorporates asymmetric features including inclined planes and strategically positioned openings that allow easy flow in the downward direction during thrust while creating barriers that prevent liquid rise under acceleration forces. The asymmetry in geometry provides directional control of liquid flow.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively addresses transient and ballistic phase issues by minimizing propellant spread along walls, reducing evaporation and heating, and cooling of the gas dome, while maintaining efficient liquid retention during dynamic disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
allow the flow of the liquid by gravity from the upper volume towards the lower volume and, on the other hand prevent the rise of the fluid from the lower volume towards the upper volume under the action of acceleration forces
Implementation Method 2
The liquid therefore does not spread or spreads very little along the walls of the reservoir. The rate of evaporation and heating of the cryogenic liquid is significantly reduced.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
Cryogenic tank intended for containing a cryogenic fluid, in particular a space launcher tank intended to contain a cryogenic propellant, comprising a wall (1 ) defining a storage volume for the cryogenic fluid, characterized in that it includes at least one partition (2) located in the storage volume, said partition (2) defining an upper volume (VS) and a lower volume (Vl) for the fluid in the tank (1) communicating via at least one opening (3) formed in the partition (2), in order, on the one hand, to allow the liquid to flow under gravity from the upper volume (VS) into the lower volume (Vl) and, on the other hand, to prevent the fluid from rising from the lower volume (Vl) into the upper volume (VS) under the action of acceleration forces.