Underwater cryogenic storage vessel and method of using the same

Technologies are described herein for storing fluid in an underwater cryogenic storage vessel designed for use in a fuel system of an underwater vehicle. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a storage vessel includes at least two concentrically arranged storage tanks, which includes a first storage tank and a second storage tank. The first storage tank surrounds the second storage tank, such that the first storage tank is configured to protect the second storage tank from external environmental conditions. The storage vessel also includes a storage compartment positioned adjacent to the two storage tanks. In one embodiment, the storage vessel may be an underwater cryogenic storage vessel that stores liquid oxygen used as a reactant in a fuel cell and liquid carbon dioxide, which is an effluent of the fuel cell.

Thermal conditioning fluids for an underwater cryogenic storage vessel

Technologies are described herein for conditioning fluids stored in an underwater cryogenic storage vessel designed for use in a fuel system of an underwater vehicle. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a fuel system includes a fuel cell and a storage vessel, which stores a first fluid that is supplied to the fuel cell and a second fluid that is produced by the fuel cell. The fuel system also includes a thermal conditioning module that receives the first fluid from the storage vessel and receives the second fluid from the fuel cell. The first fluid stored in the storage vessel is conditioned by absorbing heat from the second fluid, such that the fuel cell receives the conditioned first fluid. The second fluid received from the fuel cell is in gaseous state and is converted to a liquid. The liquid second fluid is stored in the storage vessel.

Thermodynamic Pump for Cryogenic Fueled Devices

In one embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus is provided for fueling a device using a cryogenic fluid. The apparatus may comprise: a cryogenic fluid supply container; a vessel connected to the supply container with an entrance valve to regulate flow of cryogenic fluid from the supply container; a heat transfer system capable of transferring heat from a device to the vessel to heat gas in the vessel; and an accumulator connected to the vessel with an exit valve to regulate flow of gas from the vessel to the accumulator. The accumulator may be capable of being connected to a device. In other embodiments, methods are provided of controllably mixing at least one fluid within a fluid mixing device. 1. An apparatus for fueling a device using cryogenic fluid comprising:a cryogenic fluid supply container configured to supply a cryogenic fluid;a vessel connected to the cryogenic fluid supply container with an entrance valve configured to regulate flow of the cryogenic fluid from the cryogenic fluid supply container into the vessel;a device;a heat transfer system configured to transfer heat from the device to the vessel to vaporize the cryogenic fluid in the vessel into a cryogenic gas; andan exit valve configured to regulate flow of the cryogenic gas from the vessel to fuel the device with the cryogenic gas, wherein the cryogenic fluid and the cryogenic gas are not vented to atmosphere or to the cryogenic fluid supply container.2. The apparatus of wherein the device comprises an aircraft claim 1 , a vehicle claim 1 , or an internal combustion engine.3. The apparatus of wherein the vessel is connected to a pressure sensor and to a temperature sensor which are configured to monitor pressure and temperature within the vessel.4. The apparatus of wherein the heat transfer system comprises at least one pipe member.5. The apparatus of further comprising an accumulator connected to the exit valve and to the device claim 1 , wherein the accumulator is connected to a pressure ...

Thermodynamic pump for cryogenic fueled devices

In one embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus is provided for fueling a device using a cryogenic fluid. The apparatus may comprise: a cryogenic fluid supply container; a vessel connected to the supply container with an entrance valve to regulate flow of cryogenic fluid from the supply container; a heat transfer system capable of transferring heat from a device to the vessel to heat gas in the vessel; and an accumulator connected to the vessel with an exit valve to regulate flow of gas from the vessel to the accumulator. The accumulator may be capable of being connected to a device. In other embodiments, methods are provided of controllably mixing at least one fluid within a fluid mixing device.

CONTINUOUS FLOW THERMODYNAMIC PUMP

A thermodynamic pump for provides gaseous hydrogen employing a plurality of liquid hydrogen (LH2) tanks sequentially pressurized with gaseous hydrogen (GH2) from an accumulator. A heat exchanger receiving LH2 from each of the plurality of tanks as sequentially pressurized returns pressurized GH2 to the accumulator for supply to an engine. 1. A gaseous hydrogen (GH2) supply system comprising:a dewar for liquid hydrogen (LH2);a thermodynamic pump having a plurality of tanks receiving LH2 from the dewar and a heat exchanger providing GH2, said plurality of tanks sequentially providing LH2 to the heat exchanger and refilling from the dewar when depleted; and, an accumulator for supplying GH2, said accumulator receiving GH2 from the heat exchanger and providing pressurizing GH2 to the plurality of tanks.2. The GH2 supply system as defined in further comprising:a supply manifold interconnecting the plurality of tanks to the heat exchanger and having a plurality of supply valves for sequential supply of LH2 to the heat exchanger;3. The thermodynamic pump as defined in further comprising a pressurization manifold interconnecting the accumulator to the plurality of tanks and having a plurality of pressurization valves for sequential pressurization of the tanks concurrent with the sequential supply of LH2.4. The thermodynamic pump as defined in further comprising a fill manifold interconnecting the plurality of tanks to the dewar and having a plurality of fill valves for sequential fill of the tanks with LH2.5. The thermodynamic pump as defined in further comprising a blow down manifold interconnecting the plurality of tanks to the dewar and having a plurality of depressurization valves for sequential depressurization of GH2 from the tanks concurrent with the sequential fill of LH2.6. The thermodynamic pump as defined in further comprising an accumulator condenser intermediate the dewar and tanks claim 5 , said accumulator condenser providing LH2 to the fill manifold and ...

Thermodynamic pump for cryogenic fueled devices

In one embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus is provided for fueling a device using a cryogenic fluid. The apparatus may comprise: a cryogenic fluid supply container; a vessel connected to the supply container with an entrance valve to regulate flow of cryogenic fluid from the supply container; a heat transfer system capable of transferring heat from a device to the vessel to heat gas in the vessel; and an accumulator connected to the vessel with an exit valve to regulate flow of gas from the vessel to the accumulator. The accumulator may be capable of being connected to a device. In other embodiments, methods are provided of controllably mixing at least one fluid within a fluid mixing device.

Underwater cryogenic storage vessel

Technologies are described herein for storing fluid in an underwater cryogenic storage vessel designed for use in a fuel system of an underwater vehicle. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a storage vessel includes at least two concentrically arranged storage tanks, which includes a first storage tank and a second storage tank. The first storage tank surrounds the second storage tank, such that the first storage tank is configured to protect the second storage tank from external environmental conditions. The storage vessel also includes a storage compartment positioned adjacent to the two storage tanks. In one embodiment, the storage vessel may be an underwater cryogenic storage vessel that stores liquid oxygen used as a reactant in a fuel cell and liquid carbon dioxide, which is an effluent of the fuel cell.

Continuous flow thermodynamic pump

A thermodynamic pump for provides gaseous hydrogen employing a plurality of liquid hydrogen (LH2) tanks sequentially pressurized with gaseous hydrogen (GH2) from an accumulator. A heat exchanger receiving LH2 from each of the plurality of tanks as sequentially pressurized returns pressurized GH2 to the accumulator for supply to an engine.

THERMODYNAMIC PUMP FOR CRYOGENIC FUELED DEVICES

In one embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus is provided for fueling a device using a cryogenic fluid. The apparatus may comprise: a cryogenic fluid supply container; a vessel connected to the supply container with an entrance valve to regulate flow of cryogenic fluid from the supply container; a heat transfer system capable of transferring heat from a device to the vessel to heat gas in the vessel; and an accumulator connected to the vessel with an exit valve to regulate flow of gas from the vessel to the accumulator. The accumulator may be capable of being connected to a device. In other embodiments, methods are provided of controllably mixing at least one fluid within a fluid mixing device.

CONTINUOUS FLOW THERMODYNAMIC PUMP

A thermodynamic pump for provides gaseous hydrogen employing a plurality of liquid hydrogen (LH2) tanks sequentially pressurized with gaseous hydrogen (GH2) from an accumulator. A heat exchanger receiving LH2 from each of the plurality of tanks as sequentially pressurized returns pressurized GH2 to the accumulator for supply to an engine.

Two-phase hydrogen pump and method

A hydrogen pump comprises a pump housing and a heating mechanism. The pump housing receives liquid hydrogen through a housing inlet. The heating mechanism vaporizes the liquid hydrogen into gaseous hydrogen. The pump housing releases the gaseous hydrogen through a housing outlet at a predetermined pressure level of the gaseous hydrogen. The pump housing closes the housing outlet such as when the liquid hydrogen in the pump housing falls below a depletion level. The pump housing opens and additional liquid hydrogen enters the pump housing through the housing inlet.

Thermal Conditioning Fluids For An Underwater Cryogenic Storage Vessel

Technologies are described herein for conditioning fluids stored in an underwater cryogenic storage vessel designed for use in a fuel system of an underwater vehicle. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a fuel system includes a fuel cell and a storage vessel, which stores a first fluid that is supplied to the fuel cell and a second fluid that is produced by the fuel cell. The fuel system also includes a thermal conditioning module that receives the first fluid from the storage vessel and receives the second fluid from the fuel cell. The first fluid stored in the storage vessel is conditioned by absorbing heat from the second fluid, such that the fuel cell receives the conditioned first fluid. The second fluid received from the fuel cell is in gaseous state and is converted to a liquid. The liquid second fluid is stored in the storage vessel. 1. A fuel system , comprising:a fuel cell;a storage vessel configured to store a first fluid to be supplied to the fuel cell and a second fluid supplied by the fuel cell, wherein the first fluid comprises a liquid first fluid and a gaseous first fluid and wherein the second fluid comprises a liquid second fluid and a gaseous second fluid; anda thermal conditioning module, the thermal conditioning module configured toreceive the gaseous first fluid from the storage vessel,receive the gaseous second fluid from the fuel cell,condition the gaseous first fluid stored in the storage vessel by absorbing heat from the gaseous second fluid, such that the fuel cell receives the gaseous first fluid from the thermal conditioning module, andconvert the gaseous second fluid received from the fuel cell to the liquid second fluid and storing the liquid second fluid in the storage vessel.2. The fuel system of claim 1 , wherein the thermal conditioning module comprises a first heat exchanger configured to receive the gaseous first fluid from the storage vessel and further configured to liquefy the gaseous second fluid into the liquid ...

REDUCED BOIL-OFF THERMAL CONDITIONING SYSTEM

A Reduced Boil-off Thermal Conditioning System (“RBTC System”) for transferring liquid natural gas (“LNG”) from a LNG supply tank to a LNG storage tank with reduced boil-off is disclosed. The RBTC System includes the LNG storage tank, a cryogenic fluid tank within the LNG supply tank, and a compressor. The LNG storage tank includes a first and second LNG pipe. The cryogenic fluid tank is configured to store a cryogenic fluid within the cryogenic fluid tank and the first and second LNG pipe are in fluid communication with to the cryogenic fluid tank. The first LNG pipe is in fluid communication with compressor. 1. A Reduced Boil-off Thermal Conditioning (“RBTC”) System for transferring liquid natural gas (“LNG”) from a LNG supply tank to a LNG storage tank with reduced boil-off , wherein the LNG storage tank has a first LNG pipe and a second LNG pipe , the RBTC System comprising: wherein the cryogenic fluid tank is configured to store a cryogenic fluid within the cryogenic fluid tank and', 'wherein the first LNG pipe and the second LNG pipe are in fluid communication with the cryogenic fluid tank;, 'a cryogenic fluid tank within the LNG supply tank,'}a compressor, wherein the compressor is in fluid communication with the cryogenic fluid tank and the first LNG pipe; anda throttling device, wherein the throttling device is in fluid communication with both the cryogenic fluid tank and the second LNG pipe.2. The RBTC System of claim 1 , a first shell pipe and', 'a second shell pipe, and, 'a cooling shell surrounding the LNG storage tank having'}wherein the first shell pipe and second shell pipe are in fluid communication with the cryogenic fluid tank, andwherein the first shell pipe, second shell pipe, and compressor are configured such that in operation the cryogenic fluid, from the cryogenic fluid tank, enters the cooling shell via the second shell pipe and leaves the cooling shell via the first shell pipe.3. The RBTC System of claim 2 , further includinga first line ...

Rocket Fueling Systems and Methods

A rocket fueling system includes an insulated jacket configured to removably couple to at least a portion of a rocket and form an enclosed space between the insulated jacket and the at least the portion of the rocket. The rocket fueling system also includes a cryogen inlet in the insulated jacket. The cryogen inlet is configured to receive a cryogen into an interior chamber of the insulated jacket. The rocket fueling system further includes a cryogen outlet in the insulated jacket. The cryogen outlet is configured to provide the cryogen from the interior chamber in the insulated jacket to the at least the portion of the rocket in the enclosed space. The rocket fueling system still further includes a gas outlet in the insulated jacket configured to exhaust the cryogen from the enclosed space, and a flammable gas sensor configured to detect a flammable gas at the gas outlet.

MASS REDUCING PROJECTILE AND METHOD THEREFOR

A mass reducing projectile is provided. The mass reducing projectile includes a shell, one or more weights, and a low melt fusible alloy. The one or more weights are disposed within the shell. The low melt fusible alloy is disposed within the shell so as to encase the one or more weights within the shell. 1. A mass reducing projectile comprising:a shell;one or more weights disposed within the shell; anda low melt fusible alloy disposed within the shell so as to encase the one or more weights within the shell.2. The mass reducing projectile of claim 1 , wherein the one or more weights comprise one or more of rods and spheres.3. The mass reducing projectile of claim 1 , wherein the shell comprises an outer surface with an absorptivity of 0.1 or greater.4. The mass reducing projectile of claim 3 , wherein the outer surface comprises an absorptivity coating that effects the absorptivity.5. The mass reducing projectile of claim 1 , wherein the shell is configured to increase in temperature during flight to a temperature above a melting temperature of the low melt fusible alloy.6. The mass reducing projectile of claim 1 , wherein the shell comprises an internal cavity having a pass-through aperture through which the one or more weights and the low melt fusible alloy are inserted into the internal cavity.7. The mass reducing projectile of claim 6 , wherein the low melt fusible alloy is configured to melt at a predetermined temperature of the mass reducing projectile so that the one or more weights and the low melt fusible alloy are ejected from the pass-through aperture during flight of the mass reducing projectile.8. The mass reducing projectile of claim 7 , wherein the shell claim 7 , each of the one or more weights claim 7 , and each piece of the ejected low melt fusible alloy is less than about 10% to about 15% of a total pre-flight mass of the mass reducing projectile.9. A method forming a mass reducing projectile that comprises a shell claim 7 , one or more weights ...

METHODS, SYSTEMS AND APPARATUSES FOR COMBUSTIBLE LEAD FOR HIGH TRIPLE POINT PROPELLANTS

Methods, systems and apparatuses are disclosed for delivering high triple point propellant to a rocket engine and maintaining the desired phase of the propellant during engine ignition. 1. A method of maintaining a high triple point propellant in a predetermined phase during ignition of a rocket engine comprising:delivering a flow of combustible gas to a location downstream from a high triple point propellant valve; andcombusting the combustible gas to achieve a predetermined pressure in the rocket engine, wherein the predetermined pressure is greater than or equal to a pressure to maintain the high triple point propellant in the predetermined phase.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:terminating the flow of combustible gas; andsubstantially simultaneously with the step of terminating the flow of combustible gas, delivering a flow of high triple point propellant to the rocket engine.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein claim 2 , in the step of delivering a flow of high triple point propellant to a rocket engine system claim 2 , the high triple point propellant comprising: a monopropellant claim 2 , a blended fuel propellant claim 2 , a bi-propellant and combinations thereof.4. The method of claim 2 , wherein claim 2 , in the step of delivering a flow of high triple point propellant to the rocket engine claim 2 , the high triple point propellant comprising: nitrous oxide;nitrous oxide/propane; nitrous oxide/acetylene; nitrous oxide/ethane; nitrous oxide/ethylene, nitrous oxide/methane, nitrous oxide/oxygen and combinations thereof.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein claim 1 , in the step of delivering a flow of combustible gas to the rocket engine at a location downstream from a high triple point propellant claim 1 , the combustible gas comprises: a monopropellant claim 1 , a blended fuel propellant claim 1 , a bi-propellant and combinations thereof.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein claim 1 , in the step of delivering a flow of combustible gas to the rocket ...

Continuous flow thermodynamic pump

A thermodynamic pump for provides gaseous hydrogen employing a plurality of liquid hydrogen (LH2) tanks sequentially pressurized with gaseous hydrogen (GH2) from an accumulator. A heat exchanger receiving LH2 from each of the plurality of tanks as sequentially pressurized returns pressurized GH2 to the accumulator for supply to an engine.

Continuous flow thermodynamic pump

A thermodynamic pump for provides gaseous hydrogen employing a plurality of liquid hydrogen (LH2) tanks sequentially pressurized with gaseous hydrogen (GH2) from an accumulator. A heat exchanger receiving LH2 from each of the plurality of tanks as sequentially pressurized returns pressurized GH2 to the accumulator for supply to an engine.

Continuous flow thermodynamic pump

Thermodynamic pump for cryogenic fueled devices

In one embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus is provided for fueling a device using a cryogenic fluid. The apparatus may comprise: a cryogenic fluid supply container; a vessel connected to the supply container with an entrance valve to regulate flow of cryogenic fluid from the supply container; a heat transfer system capable of transferring heat from a device to the vessel to heat gas in the vessel; and an accumulator connected to the vessel with an exit valve to regulate flow of gas from the vessel to the accumulator. The accumulator may be capable of being connected to a device. In other embodiments, methods are provided of controllably mixing at least one fluid within a fluid mixing device.

Thermal conditioning fluids for an underwater cryogenic storage vessel

Technologies are described herein for conditioning fluids stored in an underwater cryogenic storage vessel designed for use in a fuel system of an underwater vehicle. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a fuel system includes a fuel cell and a storage vessel, which stores a first fluid that is supplied to the fuel cell and a second fluid that is produced by the fuel cell. The fuel system also includes a thermal conditioning module that receives the first fluid from the storage vessel and receives the second fluid from the fuel cell. The first fluid stored in the storage vessel is conditioned by absorbing heat from the second fluid, such that the fuel cell receives the conditioned first fluid. The second fluid received from the fuel cell is in gaseous state and is converted to a liquid. The liquid second fluid is stored in the storage vessel.