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Hydrogen Properties for Energy Research (HYPER) Laboratory Carl Bunge

Carl Bunge

My Story:

Every rain drop,

every star,

every vision,

Discussion of the experimental Heisenberg Vortex Tube setup.

…is powered by hydrogen.

It’s time to let it power us.

My Research:

…involves pushing the boundary of energy. In space and on earth, the Heisenberg vortex has the potential to allow a completely new strategy for the refrigeration of liquid hydrogen tanks to reduce boil-off. Current boil-off rates constrict space mission scenarios and the ability to use our most efficient propellant in both chemical and nuclear rocket applications. The para-orthohydrogen conversion via the Heisenberg vortex enables the endothermic quantum phase change at cryogenic temperatures. This invention has a direct impact on NASA TABS 14.1 Cryogenic Systems technology area.

Complex cryocoolers are currently used for refrigeration due to liquid hydrogen’s very low temperature requirements. But, these systems are heavy, power intensive, and contain many moving parts. The Heisenberg vortex has the potential to supersede current cryocooler technology resulting in an efficient, reliable refrigeration system with no moving parts and lightweight characteristics. This advance is directly relevant to the Evolvable Cryogenics (eCryo) and the Advanced Cryogenic Evolved Stage (ACES) projects and is possible thanks to the NASA Space Technology Research Fellowship Program.