Liquid storage tanks and systems and propulsion systems for space vehicles and related methods
US10065751B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 5, 2016 |
| Grant date | Sep 4, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 16, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF17C2270/0197
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Liquid storage systems for space vehicles include at least one storage tank including a tank inlet, a tank outlet, and a plurality of liquid storage compartments coupled to each other in series between the tank inlet and the tank outlet. Each liquid storage compartment includes an end plate including a porous outlet at an end of the liquid storage compartment adjacent to another liquid storage compartment. Propulsion systems for space vehicles include at least one such liquid storage tank. Methods of providing a liquid propellant to a thruster of a space vehicle include withdrawing a liquid propellant from a first compartment within a tank and flowing the liquid propellant from a second compartment into the first compartment through a porous element associated with an end plate separating the first compartment from the second compartment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.