Proposal Number:          21-1- Z10.01-3013

          

          

   

Subtopic Title:
      Cryogenic Fluid Management

          

          

   

Proposal Title:
      Integrated Cryogenic Propellant Liquefaction System (I-CPLS)

          

          

   

Firm:

          

Mainstream Engineering Corporation

          

   

Address:

          

200 Yellow Place, Rockledge, FL 32955

          

   

Phone:

          

(321) 631-3550                                                                                                                                                                                

          

   

Name:

          

Jeff Milkie

          

   

E-mail:

          

jmilkie@mainstream-engr.com

          

   

Address:

          

200 Yellow Place, FL 32955 - 5327

          

   

Phone:

          

(321) 631-3550                                                                                                                                                                                

          

   

Name:

          

Michael Rizzo

          

   

E-mail:

          

mar@mainstream-engr.com

          

   

Address:

          

200 Yellow Place, FL 32955 - 5327

          

   

Phone:

          

(321) 631-3550                                                                                                                                                                                

          

   

Estimated Technology Readiness Level (TRL) :                                                                                                                                                          
Begin: 2
End: 3

          

          

     

Technical Abstract (Limit 2000 characters, approximately 200 words):

Mainstream proposes a lunar-based Integrated Cryogenic Propellant Liquefaction System (I-CPLS) that: 1) has a mass of less than 200 kg, 2) power requirement less than 15 kW, and 3) and produces liquifies oxygen (O₂) (3.3 kg/h) and hydrogen (H₂) (0.4 kg/h). The key enabling components of the I-CPLS are 1) an integrated cycle that liquifies O₂ and H₂ using a single cooling stream and 2) an ultra-lightweight carbon fiber/titanium composite compressor housing. The proposed system consists of a hermetically-sealed magnetically coupled five-stage H₂ turbo compressor with a single-stage turbine. The integrated design uses H₂ as the working fluid, eliminating the need to transport additional fluid to the lunar surface. The warm-end recycle H₂ stream provides the additional refrigeration capacity required for O₂ liquefaction without adding any additional O₂ equipment (compression and expansion).

In Phase I, detailed system and component models will be developed and used to optimize the system weight and power. The final system has a mass of less than 200 kg and power requirement less than 15 kW. To accomplish this, we will refine the cycle model including component design equations, optimize the system using the stage pressure ratios, recuperator draw temperatures, and component designs. A proof-of-concept turbo compressor composite housing will be fabricated and demonstrated to provide the required mechanical integrity at cryogenic temperatures.

          

          

     

Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words):

The proposed research is targeted at improvement in the cryogenic propellant liquefaction state of the art, in particular system weight reduction. This fills a need for ultra-lightweight and low power liquefaction system designs for lunar and Martian vehicle refueling systems.

          

          

     

Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words):

As superconducting technologies advance and begin to be implemented this technology may fill a need for highly mobile liquefaction systems may be required for emergency response, military, and remote applications.

          

          

     

Duration:     6