SBIR-STTR Award

NASA is in need of affordable and robust cryogenic cooling solutions for use in space applications. Specifically, in support of its Artemis program, NASA seeks innovative integrated refrigeration cycles for a combination of hydrogen and oxygen liquefaction on the lunar surface (topic Z10.01). Based on initial estimates, nominally 300 W of cooling is needed at 90 K and 20 K to support at least 11.7 metric tons per year (3.3 kg/hr of oxygen and 0.4 kg/hr of hydrogen). Currently, Concepts NREC (CN) is working towards the demonstration of a high-capacity reverse-Brayton cryocooler based on the needs of several high-temperature superconducting and liquefaction applications. On the proposed NASA Phase I project, CN proposes to leverage its high-capacity Brayton cryocooler development effort by pursuing a novel integrated system capable of supporting oxygen and hydrogen liquefaction needs on the Moon. Beyond providing an integrated solution, the proposed system will dramatically increase the current state-of-the-art in space-based cryogenic cooling capacity. CN proposes to focus its Phase I efforts on cycle and configuration analysis and optimization, consistent with the Z10.01 solicitation expectations. In collaboration with NASA personnel, CN will select the optimum configuration for maturation in Phase II. During Phase II, the lowest Technical Readiness Level (TRL) component will be selected for further development. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): Liquefaction of cryogenic propellant is a critical component of future exploration efforts, currently pursued within the Artemis program. Leveraging CN’s existing Brayton cryocooler developments, CN anticipates this program to lead to a significant increase in the cooling capacity of space-based cryocoolers. The increase in cooling capacity, combined with the integration of LOx and LH2 refrigeration capabilities, will allow NASA and its prime contractors to conduct ISRU and ZBO operations in orbit, on the moon and on Mars. Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): Developments on this program are expected to be directly applicable to superconducting needs of other government applications (defense) as well as the commercial industry. Specifically, multiple Navy applications exist in minesweeping, degaussing, and ship-board power transmission. Furthermore, superconducting motors for wind turbines are actively being pursued in the renewables market. Duration: 6

NASA is in need of affordable and robust cryogenic cooling solutions for use in space applications. In support of the Artemis program, NASA seeks innovative integrated refrigeration cycles for use in liquefaction of hydrogen and oxygen from the lunar surface. Based on initial estimates from Phase I activities, 330+ W of cooling is needed at 90 K and 130+ W of cooling is needed at 20 K to support at least 11.7 metric tons per year. Currently, space-based cryocoolers have yet to demonstrate cooling beyond 20 W at 20. Concepts NREC (CN) is working towards the demonstration of two high-capacity helium-based reverse-Brayton cryocoolers, and plans to leverage these cryocoolers to develop a novel integrated two-stage helium system capable of supporting both oxygen and hydrogen liquefaction needs on the Moon. The proposed solution will increase the current state-of-the-art in cryogenic cooling by an order of magnitude. The two lowest TRL/MRL components derived from Phase I activities are a micro-tube recuperator with a titanium construction replacing the legacy materials, and a compressor capable of operation under lunar surface ambient conditions. The titanium micro-tube recuperators utilize a proven, underlying design; the same manufacturing method and models can easily be adapted to the changes brought upon by the change to titanium, and development risk is considered low. Lunar ambient compressor operation has the highest system risk when looking at the changes from legacy CN demonstrations. Existing turboalternator powertrain technology will be leveraged to develop a compressor powertrain that is capable of operation at the reduced ambient conditions. The capabilities of the newly developed powertrain will need to handle larger thrust loads at higher rotational speeds than what is currently found on the turboalternators. Results from this study will provide valuable input into NASA’s on-going Cryogenic Fluid Management directives. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): NASA is in need of affordable and robust cryogenic cooling solutions for use in space applications. In support of the Artemis program, NASA seeks innovative integrated refrigeration cycles for use in liquefaction of In-Situ Resource Utilization produced hydrogen and oxygen from the lunar surface. Based on initial estimates from Phase I activities, 330+ W of cooling is needed at 90 K and 130+ W of cooling is needed at 20 K to support at least 11.7 metric tons per year. Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): The US Navy has identified multiple applications in minesweeping, degaussing, and ship-board power transmission. The worldwide market for industrial and commercial cryocoolers is developing based on a need for High-Temperature Superconducting (HTS) cooling needs, superconducting generators for wind turbines being pursued in Europe as one example. Duration: 24