NASA cryocooler technology developments and goals to achieve zero boil-off and to liquefy cryogenic propellants for space exploration

被引：33

作者：

Plachta, D. ^{[1
]}

Stephens, J. ^{[1
]}

Johnson, W. ^{[1
]}

Zagarola, M. ^{[2
]}

机构：

[1] NASA, Moffett Field, CA 94035 USA

[2] Creare LLC, Hanover, NH USA

来源：

CRYOGENICS | 2018年 / 94卷

关键词：

Multi-layer insulation; Reverse turbo-Brayton cycle cryocooler; Zero boil-off; Cryogenic propellant storage;

D O I：

10.1016/j.cryogenics.2018.07.005

中图分类号：

O414.1 [热力学];

学科分类号：

摘要：

NASA's interest in human exploration of Mars has driven it to invest in 20 K cryocooler technology to achieve zero boil-off of liquid hydrogen and 90 K cryocooler technology to achieve zero boil-off liquid oxygen or liquid methane as well as to liquefy oxygen or methane that is produced on the surface of Mars. These investments have demonstrated efficiency progress, mass reductions, and integration insights. A history of the application of cryocooler technology to zero boil-off propellant storage is presented. A trade space on distributed cooling is shown, along with the progress of reverse turbo-Brayton cycle cryocoolers, where the specific power and specific mass have dropped, decreasing the mass and power of these cryocoolers. Additionally, the cryocooler technology advancements of recuperators and compressors are described. Finally, NASA's development ideas with respect to zero boil-off technology are discussed.

引用

页码：95 / 102

页数：8