SBIR-STTR Award

Broad Area Cooling with Hybrid Additive Manufactured Pressure Vessel
Award last edited on: 3/25/2023

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
NASA : JSC
Total Award Amount
$874,971
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
Z10.01
Principal Investigator
Antony Skaff

Company Information

Sierra Lobo Inc

102 Pinnacle Drive
Fremont, OH 43420
   (419) 332-7101
   howl@sierralobo.com
   www.sierralobo.com
Location: Multiple
Congr. District: 04
County: Sandusky

Phase I

Contract Number: 80NSSC20C0334
Start Date: 8/25/2020    Completed: 3/1/2021
Phase I year
2020
Phase I Amount
$124,980
Sierra Lobo, Inc. and our partner Big Metal Additive propose a unique hybrid additive approach to manufacturing cryogenic liquid storage tanks with broad area cooling channels integrated directly into the walls of the tanks. This manufacturing approach has the potential to yield a smooth exterior surface over which a composite overwrap may be applied, minimizing system weight and maximizing efficient use of tank volume while maintaining structural strength. The use of automated, computer-controlled machining also has the potential to minimize costs of manufacturing broad area cooled storage vessels, maximizing reproducibility while minimizing manual labor hours required to manufacture such tanks, and is easily scalable to larger tank sizes. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) On-orbit propellant storage for Lunar Gateway ISRU for lunar lander and ascent modules ISRU for Mars missions ISRU for small body / asteroid missions General-use propellant depots for Earth orbit, Earth-Moon operations, interplanetary operations Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) Cryogenic fuel/oxidizer storage for UUV power systems

Phase II

Contract Number: 80NSSC21C0499
Start Date: 8/5/2021    Completed: 8/4/2023
Phase II year
2021
Phase II Amount
$749,991
Sierra Lobo, Inc. and our partner Big Metal Additive propose to design, build and test cryogenic liquefaction and storage tanks with Hybrid Additively-manufactured Tank-integrated CHannels for Broad Area Cooling (HATCHBAC) technology, a unique hybrid additive approach to manufacturing tanks with broad area cooling channels integrated directly into the walls of the tanks. This manufacturing approach has the potential to yield a smooth exterior surface over which a composite overwrap may be applied, minimizing system weight and maximizing efficient use of tank volume while maintaining structural strength. Unique tank shapes, only made possible with the use of hybrid additive techniques, can enhance propellant transfer capacity and maximize spacecraft packaging capabilities. The use of automated, computer-controlled machining also has the potential to minimize costs of manufacturing broad area cooled storage vessels, maximizing reproducibility while minimizing manual labor hours required to manufacture such tanks, and is easily scalable to larger tank sizes. Phase II thermal-vacuum testing will verify HATCHBAC thermal-fluid performance and predictions of the thermal model developed during Phase I. Phase II structural testing will include cold shock, proof pressure, and possibly a burst test to evaluate the mechanical and structural integrity of the hybrid additive thin-walled pressure vessel. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): On-orbit propellant storage for Lunar Gateway ISRU for lunar lander and ascent modules (CLPS and HLS) ISRU for Mars missions ISRU for small body / asteroid missions General-use propellant depots for Earth orbit, Earth-Moon operations, interplanetary operations Hybrid additive manufacturing provides a test bed for CFM technology advancement Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): Long-duration on-orbit cryogenic propellant storage can benefit launch providers and DOD missions Cryogenic fuel/oxidizer storage for UAV and UUV power systems Hybrid additive manufacturing provides a test bed for CFM technology advancement Duration: 24