Cryospain is once again at the service of cutting-edge initiatives within the aerospace industry and liquid hydrogen thanks to the design and manufacture of a cryogenic tank for liquid hydrogen in Germany.
In our podcast on hydrogen as an energy vector we already discussed how sustainable hydrogen production is opening the door to the development of green economies in many sectors. And the aerospace industry is no exception.
Among the increasingly widespread uses of liquid hydrogen (LH2) in various industries, the constant evolution of the aerospace sector stands out as a field that is particularly exciting.
In this sector, liquid hydrogen stands out as a highly efficient and clean fuel, vital for the success of present and future aerospace missions.
Thus, the design and manufacture of this new cryogenic tank for liquid hydrogen adds another project to our portfolio linked to this promising element. It is also a testament to our involvement as facilitators for an aerospace sector committed to continuing to move towards sustainability, efficiency and opening up new frontiers.
Here, we provide some more details about the most innovative features of our tank, its technical aspects and its specific advantages for aerospace applications.
The technical characteristics of our cryogenic tank
1. Capacity and pressure suitable for fuel demands
The tank is designed to store up to 12 cubic meters of liquid hydrogen at a design pressure of 16 bar. This is crucial to meet fuel demands in rocket launches and large-scale engine tests.
2. Construction materials proven for corrosion and low temperatures
The choice of materials is essential to ensure the integrity and performance of the tank under cryogenic conditions.
For the project, we’ve chosen 316/316L stainless steel, a material selected for its excellent resistance to low temperatures and durability. This material is also resistant to corrosion, which helps maintain the purity of the stored hydrogen.
3. Advanced thermal insulation
Keeping hydrogen in a liquid state necessarily requires that the tank is well insulated. To ensure this, we have implemented a multi-layer insulation system combined with vacuum insulation to minimize heat transfer:
- On the one hand, vacuum insulation significantly reduces heat transfer by conduction and convection, keeping the inside of the tank at cryogenic temperatures.
- In turn, multi-layer insulation involves the incorporation of several layers of reflective and spacer materials, which allows heat transfer by radiation to be reduced.
4. Guarantees in safety and control systems
Safety being a priority in the design of our cryogenic tank, advanced safety and control systems have been incorporated:
- Pressure relief valves are automatically activated to release pressure if it exceeds safe limits, avoiding explosion risks.
- Sensors constantly monitor the temperature and pressure inside the tank, providing real-time data to ensure optimal storage conditions.
Applications of cryogenic tanks in the aerospace industry
Our cryogenic tank has been designed to meet the needs of the aerospace industry and the incorporation of liquid hydrogen as a fuel. More specifically, our cryogenic tanks are called upon to play a fundamental role in various applications in the aerospace sector:
- Rocket launches: cryogenic tanks are in charge of supplying liquid hydrogen to engines during take-off and ascent, ensuring an efficient and constant source of energy.
- Engine testing: they are also essential for facilitating ground testing, by providing a continuous and controlled flow of liquid hydrogen, essential for evaluating the performance and safety of rocket engines.
- Storage and maintenance: this type of tank also allows the safe storage of liquid hydrogen between missions, ensuring that the fuel is available and in optimal condition for immediate use.
Cryospain: allies for the aerospace industry
The design of our 12 cubic meter, 16 bar pressure cryogenic liquid hydrogen tank represents a significant advance in fuel storage technology for the aerospace industry.
With high quality materials, advanced thermal insulation systems and rigorous safety mechanisms, our tank is ready to meet the demanding needs of the aerospace sector.
As such, we become an integral piece within the larger picture of the aerospace sector, which is taking steps to make the use of green hydrogen as a fuel a reality.
Highlights include initiatives such as our project in the US for one of the leading gas companies in the market or our cryogenic tank in Saudi Arabia as part of the ‘Neom Green Hydrogen’ project, which is expected to be the largest commercial base for green hydrogen in the world.
Considering the aerospace sector in particular, our advanced pipe-in-pipe systems have been part of high-tech cryogenic projects such as the tests for SABRE technology (Synergistic Air-Breathing Rocket Engine), a cutting-edge propulsion system based on liquid helium and hydrogen.
Through this wide range of cryogenic projects, Cryospain confirms a commitment to continue moving forward to become the allies that the aerospace industry needs to continue evolving.
