Smart Tanks for Space
Programme
GSTP
Programme Reference
GT17-447MP
Prime Contractor
Atout Process Ltd
Start Date
End Date
Status
Closed
Country
United Kingdom
Objectives
The main objective of this activity is to develop the ground based prototyping in preparation for In Orbit Demonstration opportunities using the generic Test Rig and Toolbox, developed in the previous de-risk activity. This will include the prototypes for the control system, the software, the tank system and the sensors including their cables and connectors.
Description
Current spacecraft designs are using indirect measurements for the propellant left within the tank. One example for that is the measurement of the pressure, volume and temperature inside the tank from which then the propellant mass can be derived. Common to all those methods is the indirect measurement of the propellant mass left, leading to high uncertainties for it.
The SMART tank activity is looking into a direct measurement, allowing therefore to derive with a single measurement chain the propellant left within the tank. For every mission right now which needs to impose decommissioning burns or to move an orbit, this technology can provide substantial more time in orbit. But furthermore, the technology can be used for missions including refilling for which the propellant left or filled must be known more accurately.
A novel ?Smart Tank for Space? (SMARTTS) is under development and its main objective is to report, in real-time, accurate measurements of the mass of its own fluid contents, the distribution of the contents, how the fluid is moving, and the size and direction of the forces exported to the tank structure due to the movement. This technology works in any gravity conditions, and is well suited to solving real challenges in spacecraft design and operation. The technology is inherently safe, does not introduce heat to the fluid, and requires low power.
The underlying technology in the product concept is Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT). ECT sensors comprise an array of electrodes mounted around the fluid container of interest. Every possible pair of capacitance values is measured simultaneously at high frequency. Using knowledge of the sensor and container geometry and properties, these data are used to generate 2D or 3D images representing a slice or section of the fluid distribution and density. The typical system samples up to 4000 full data frames per second.
The proposed activity is focused on the In-Orbit Demonstration opportunities, ground testing prototypes of the key elements, such that SMARTTS technology can be adopted for these missions.
This will include the prototypes for the control system, the software, the tank system and the sensors including their cables and connectors.
Application Domain
Generic Technologies
Technology Domain
19 - Propulsion
Competence Domain
7-Propulsion, Space Transportation and Re-entry Vehicles
Initial TRL
TRL 4
Target TRL
TRL 5
Achieved TRL
TRL 4