Thesis
Parahydrogen-orthohydrogen conversion for boil-off reduction from space stage fuel systems
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2013
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/104131
Abstract
Long-term space missions require minimized boil-off from liquid hydrogen and oxygen tanks to reduce Gross Liftoff Weight (GLOW). Leading rocket technologies utilize liquid hydrogen boil-off vapors to refrigerate and potentially eliminate boil-off from the liquid oxygen tank. The use of liquid hydrogen allows a substantial amount of heat to be conveyed out of the system. Statistical thermodynamic calculations estimate that the amount of heat carried with the hydrogen refrigerant can be increased up to 50 % through catalysis of the parahydrogen-orthohydrogen conversion. This thesis discusses development of the Cryocatalysis Hydrogen Experiment Facility (CHEF) in the HYdrogen Properties for Energy Research (HYPER) laboratory at Washington State University. Initial experimental results are presented that validate statistical thermodynamic predictions of cooling capacity while catalyzing parahydrogen-orthohydrogen conversion. This proof-of-concept indicates that the mass of hydrogen vented to space can be reduced nearly 33 %. Initial system capabilities and a plan for future measurements are presented.
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Details
- Title
- Parahydrogen-orthohydrogen conversion for boil-off reduction from space stage fuel systems
- Creators
- Ronald M. Bliesner
- Contributors
- Jacob W. Leachman (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Mechanical and Materials Engineering, School of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525396801842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis