Hybrid Oxygen System
Abstract
Investigation of concepts for generating oxygen on-board combat aircraft and development of a bleed air-driven refrigeration, liquefaction, and cryogenic storage system for oxygen were undertaken in this study. A number of alternative approaches were examined while considering size, weight and power consumption. An open-loop bleed air-driven system was selected for design, development, and testing. The bleed air-driven refrigeration unit achieved oxygen liquefaction temperatures of 90 deg K and liquefied and stored oxygen generated from a molecular sieve oxygen generating system (MSOGS). The oxygen was stored in cryogenic dewars, vaporized, and withdrawn from the system to simulate aircrew consumption. A heat exchanger flow reversing valving system was used to sublime and blow out condensates (water vapor and carbon dioxide) which normally collect in an open-loop refrigeration cycle operating from ambient air. The collection of condensate in the cryogenic system represented the largest technological area to overcome, and the reverse cycle system overcame the problem. The laboratory demonstrator utilized a helium cycle cold head refrigeration unit in conjunction with a J-T valve to simulate a cryogenic expander to be used in the flight system. Further work to incorporate a cryogenic expander in place of the cold head and J-T valve is recommended.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA262417
Entities
People
- W. D. Lee
Organizations
- Arthur D. Little