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Power Generation and Storage
An illustrative design of the placement of Helmholtz coils within the radially orientated design. Source: NASA
Helmholtz Electric Machine
The Helmholtz Electric Machine addresses the fundamental challenge of integrating high-temperature superconductors into electric motor armatures through an innovative architectural approach. Unlike conventional motors where magnetic field orientation constantly shifts, this design uses two sets of magnetic field sources arranged as Helmholtz coils to generate a unidirectional magnetic field throughout operation. This configuration keeps the magnetic field aligned in-plane with the thin superconducting film, preventing the perpendicular orientation that causes excessive power losses. The reduction in armature power losses substantially eases the thermal management burden, making it practical to operate the armature at cryogenic temperatures required for HTS functionality. Predicted efficiency reaches 99.9%, representing a significant improvement over both conventional motors and non-HTS superconducting designs. An additional advantage of this motor architecture is its compatibility with liquid nitrogen cooling. The HTS materials operate at temperatures up to 77K, whereas competing superconductors require temperatures in the 20-35K range. Liquid nitrogen provides low-cost, high-performance cooling at 77K, but non-HTS superconducting motors must rely on liquid hydrogen (which poses safety concerns), costly helium gas, or experimental liquid neon. This operational temperature advantage reduces both complexity and operating costs for end users. The Helmholtz Electric Machine represents a breakthrough in superconducting motor design, combining unprecedented efficiency with practical cooling requirements to enable next-generation electric propulsion systems. The Helmholtz Electric Machine is available for patent licensing.
Mechanical and Fluid Systems
3D-Printed Injector for Cryogenic Fluid Management
NASA's TVS Augmented Injector includes an internal heat exchanger, a fluid injector spray head, and an external surface condensation heat exchanger - all combined with multiple intertwined flow paths containing liquid, two-phase, and gaseous working fluid. The TVS provides a source of coolant to the injector, which chills the incoming fluid flow. This cooled flow promotes condensation of the tank ullage dropping pressure and maintains incoming fluid flow. The system eliminates the potential for a stalled fill condition and reduces tank pressure during cryogenic fluid transfer. During fill operations, the tank vent can be closed early in the process before fluid is introduced, and, in some cases, the tank vent may not even need to be opened. Furthermore, the TVS Augmented Injector can remove sufficient thermal energy to reach a 100% liquid level in the receiver tank. A cryo-cooler can be used in place the TVS flow circuit for a zero-loss system. The TVS Augmented Injector couples internal fluid flow cooling and external surface ullage gas condensation into a single, compact package that can be mounted to small tank flanges for minimal impact insertion into any vessel. The injector is printed as one part using additive manufacturing, resulting in part count reduction, improved reproducibility, shorter lead times, and reduced cost compared to conventional approaches. The injector may be of particular interest in applications where cryogenic fluid is expensive, fluid loss through vents is problematic, and/or achieving high filling levels would be helpful. The injector can benefit typical cryogenic fluid transfer between containers or, alternatively, can serve as a tank pressure control device for long-term storage using a fluid recirculation system that pumps fluid through the injector and sprays cooled liquid back into the tank. Additionally, where ISRU processes are employed, the injector can be used to liquefy incoming propellant streams.
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