Low Loss LH2 Servicing System for Heavy Duty Vehicle Fueling

C56-18g-274302This proposal is in response to Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0002903 calling for small business development of technologies in support of the hydrogen and fuel cell industry. Specifically, Subtopic C56-18.g is seeking Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) Fueling and Delivery Components for the trucking and heavy equipment industry. These LH2 servicing technologies have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation applications. Eta Space proposes to develop a complete LH2 servicing system that incorporates zero loss storage and transfer capabilities coupled with an innovative dispensing system that includes a high efficiency transfer line and a novel LH2 quick disconnect. The zero-loss storage and transfer capability has previously been proven by Eta Space at full scale using Integrated Refrigeration and Storage technology and will be demonstrated again during Phase I with an existing LH2 system at our laboratory. The new quick disconnect will leverage off a similar scale system being developed for NASA for in-space LH2 depot systems. This in-space disconnect include self-alignment features, a low force mating and flow capability, and chill down vapor recovery and return capability. Eta Space will modify this QD design to incorporate a vacuum jacket, anti-icing features, and a 2-step mating mechanism for manual connection in the field. These QD modifications combined with the IRAS storage and transfer concept, will lead to development of a highly efficient LH2 servicing system tailored to fuel fleets of medium and heavy-duty liquid hydrogen vehicles.