Barber-Nichols, LLC — National Aeronautics and Space Administration SBIR Phase I: Propellant densification systems particularly for H2 require compression systems developin

Barber-Nichols, LLC — SBIR Phase I award from National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Amount
$99,814
Agency
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Program / Phase
SBIR · Phase I
NAICS
Place of performance
CO
Period
2011-02-18 → 2011-09-29

Description

Propellant densification systems particularly for H2 require compression systems developing very large amounts of head. Development of this head requires multiple stages of compressors running at high speed. In the past these compressors have run on grease-packed ball bearings with very limited life. This project will utilize special foil bearings in place of the ball bearings and not only greatly increase bearing life but also permit even higher speed operation which will reduce the number of compression stages and increase system efficiency.