Vane Diffuser for Cryogenic Tank Slosh Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid recirculation systems in tanks cause additional sloshing, especially at low gravity, which destabilizes the remaining liquid and complicates engine start-up in cryogenic applications.
Innovation Solution
A diffuser with vanes and a wall structure that separates liquid and gas components of the recirculated mixture, guiding the liquid downward and gas upward, reducing slosh through capillary action and acting as a barrier to attenuate wave amplitude.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a liquid recirculation system is used to redistribute liquid in a tank, then liquid temperature distribution is improved, but sloshing is increased
Solution Approach 1:
A diffuser structure is introduced as an intermediary component between the recirculation system and the liquid bulk. The diffuser includes a body with multiple passages that redirect the recirculated liquid flow, allowing temperature redistribution while minimizing sloshing through controlled flow paths and distribution across multiple outlets
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculation flow is segmented into multiple smaller streams through the diffuser passages rather than a single large flow. This segmentation distributes the liquid return across multiple locations in the tank, reducing the impact of any single flow stream and thereby minimizing sloshing while maintaining effective heat redistribution
2Productivity
If the tank is operated in low-gravity environment, then liquid recirculation is maintained, but sloshing is severely amplified
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser utilizes hydraulic principles to control liquid flow in low-gravity environments. The passage geometry and flow distribution are designed to leverage fluid pressure and velocity characteristics rather than relying on gravity, enabling effective recirculation while controlling slosh through pressure-managed flow paths
3Temperature
If recirculation flow rate is increased to improve cooling, then temperature control is improved, but sloshing and overturning moments are increased
Solution Approach 1:
High flow rate recirculation is segmented into multiple lower-velocity streams through the diffuser passages. This allows the total cooling capacity to be maintained while each individual flow stream exerts reduced force on the liquid bulk, thereby controlling overturning moments even at high overall recirculation rates
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 diffuser effectively minimizes sloshing and overturning moments, stabilizing the liquid in various acceleration environments, including low gravity, by enhancing capillary action and reducing wave amplitude.
Implementation Method 1
The vanes are spaced apart from each other by a given distance to permit the liquid to flow toward the liquid end via capillary action
Implementation Method 2
The diffuser can also be used to separate a gas component and a liquid component from a two-phase (liquid and gas) mixture within a recirculation system
Data Source
AI summary
A diffuser for separating a gas component and a liquid component of a liquid-gas mixture to reduce slosh in vehicle systems is described herein. The diffuser includes a wall with a gas end, a liquid end, and multiple vanes partially extending from the liquid side to the gas side. The vanes are spaced apart from each other by a given distance to permit the liquid to flow toward the liquid end via capillary action.