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A Zero-Gravity Thermodynamic Vent System for the Shuttle/Centaur Hydrogen Tank
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Abstract
A thermodynamic vent system (TVS) is being designed and built by Sundstrand for the Shuttle/Centaur LH2 tank based on concepts developed under previous General Dynamics Convair (GDC)/NASA studies and laboratory demonstrations. The TVS performs the function of controlling pressure in the liquid hydrogen tank during periods of low-gravity storage and assures venting of vapor from the cryogenic propellant tank without disturbing normal Shuttle operation. Major components of the TVS are a swirl flow heat exchanger, an electric mixer pump with fully redundant thermally conditioned electronic inverter, and parallel redundant throttling regulators with filters and shutoff valves.
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Citation
Sorensen, G., Niggemann, R., Bassett, C., and Sedillo, M., "A Zero-Gravity Thermodynamic Vent System for the Shuttle/Centaur Hydrogen Tank," SAE Technical Paper 840976, 1984, https://doi.org/10.4271/840976.Also In
References
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