R&D processes for increasing density of cryogenic propellants at FSEC

Abstract

At Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) of the University of Central Florida, we are probing processes for increasing density of cryogenic propellants for launch vehicle applications. Technologies that provide for the densification of cryogenic propellants, conditioning, transfer, storage and mass gauging are of prime interest to the spaceport of the future and space launch activities. Density increases of 8% for LH 2 and 10% for LO 2 have been shown to have the advantages of reduced gross lift-off weight of a launch vehicle by up to 20% or increased payload capability. In this paper, thermodynamic system analysis will be performed for various liquefaction, densification and recirculation systems. The objectives are to determine the optimum combination of system components including liquefier, cryocooler and heat exchangers for ground support system and launch vehicles. The base analysis results demonstrate various operation conditions and metrics to be used for optimization of densification processes that include higher efficiency, improved reliability and functionality with the state of the art technology.