DESC0024961
Project Grant
Overview
Grant Description
Cryogenic composite seals for liquid hydrogen service components
Awardee
Grant Program (CFDA)
Awarding Agency
Funding Agency
Place of Performance
Pembroke,
Virginia
24136-3645
United States
Geographic Scope
Single Zip Code
Related Opportunity
Nanosonic was awarded
Project Grant DESC0024961
worth $200,000
from the Office of Science in July 2024 with work to be completed primarily in Pembroke Virginia United States.
The grant
has a duration of 9 months and
was awarded through assistance program 81.049 Office of Science Financial Assistance Program.
The Project Grant was awarded through grant opportunity FY 2024 Phase I Release 2.
SBIR Details
Research Type
SBIR Phase I
Title
Cryogenic Composite Seals for Liquid Hydrogen Service Components
Abstract
Statement of the problem or situation that is being addressed:
The DOEĺs Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office has identified a need for
innovative technologies that enable energy security through reliable and safe hydrogen
dispensing. NanoSonic has been developing advanced materials in the form of hydrogen
dispending hoses, nozzles, high pressure in-line particulate filters for gaseous delivery,
as well as cryotanks for liquid storage. Here, NanoSonic shall further develop our
materials for use with liquid hydrogen. Specifically, reactive twin-screw extrusion
combined with calendering shall enable the production of new low hydrogen permeable,
cryogenically durable, materials for use as advanced seals.
How this problem is being addressed:
Most polymers do not offer glass transitions low enough to accommodate resilience down
to 20K, thus new composites are needed for liquid hydrogen applications. Specifically, a
new monolithic material with ultra-low coefficient of thermal expansion shall be
developed. Ultra-low Tg custom engineering polymers shall be considered for use in the
new compounding. NanoSonic has the infrastructure to develop new high pressure
tolerant composites in our extruder to reduce the initial cost of production.
What is to be done in Phase I:
During Phase I, NanoSonic shall work together with Pacific Northwest National
Laboratory to design safe liquid hydrogen seals for tribology testing. The design shall be
applicable to the targeted back-to-back fueling rates averaging 10 kg H2/minute, onboard
storage pressures of up to 700 bar, and new high-speed cryogenic liquid pumps and
compressors. H2 quality, delivery rate, efficiency (leaking), and durability shall be tested
at NanoSonic and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to validate sealing performance
and reliability. Material cost shall be commensurate with current systems and no personal
protective equipment shall be required for use, so that the technology is readily available
to all. During Phase II, field studies with hydrogen service station partners shall
commence. The seals shall be tested under dynamic (e.g., in pumps) and static (e.g.,
face seals) conditions for respective use in pumps and face seals, as well as for use in
valve seats, and pressure regulators at temperatures down to 20 K.
Commercial applications and other benefits:
New cryogenically durable seals for use with liquid hydrogen pumps shall be developed
for use at temperatures down to 20 K. The new cryogenic materials shall serve the larger
hydrogen dispensing community.
Topic Code
C58-16b
Solicitation Number
DE-FOA-0003202
Status
(Complete)
Last Modified 9/9/24
Period of Performance
7/22/24
Start Date
4/21/25
End Date
Funding Split
$200.0K
Federal Obligation
$0.0
Non-Federal Obligation
$200.0K
Total Obligated
Activity Timeline
Additional Detail
Award ID FAIN
DESC0024961
SAI Number
None
Award ID URI
SAI EXEMPT
Awardee Classifications
Small Business
Awarding Office
892430 SC CHICAGO SERVICE CENTER
Funding Office
892401 SCIENCE
Awardee UEI
ZK7ECNMN7MM5
Awardee CAGE
1C7N6
Performance District
VA-09
Senators
Mark Warner
Timothy Kaine
Timothy Kaine
Modified: 9/9/24