Method and Apparatus for Stabilizing a Mixture Composition of Ortho- and Para-Hydrogen in a Liquid Hydrogen Reservoir

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The invention describes a method and apparatus for maintaining a stable mixture ratio of ortho-hydrogen and para-hydrogen in a liquid hydrogen reservoir. The system can set and keep this mixture ratio constant over time, regardless of temperature-driven thermodynamic changes, by splitting and treating the hydrogen stream in different ways before recombining it.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Rocket and spacecraft fuel systems requiring precisely controlled hydrogen mixtures
• Hydrogen liquefaction and storage facilities
• Hydrogen delivery and refueling stations
• Industrial processes utilizing liquid hydrogen in controlled proportions of ortho- and para-hydrogen
• Research applications in cryogenics and quantum materials, where hydrogen state management is critical

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Allows for precise and customizable control of hydrogen mixture composition
• Maintains a stable mixture ratio over time, independent of temperature fluctuations
• Improves safety and efficiency in hydrogen storage and handling
• Minimizes energy losses by stabilizing the internal state of hydrogen
• Supports specialized applications that require non-standard hydrogen states

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for adjusting a substantially constant mixture composition of para-hydrogen and ortho-hydrogen within a liquid hydrogen reservoir, independent of a temperature-dependent thermodynamic equilibrium, wherein an input mass flow is divided into at least two partial flows treated differently to achieve different contents of para-hydrogen and ortho-hydrogen, these are regulated and combined, and adjusted to a target mixture ratio. The object of the present invention is to propose a liquid hydrogen reservoir that is to be supplied with liquid hydrogen at an arbitrarily adjustable concentration of ortho- to para-hydrogen, wherein the ortho-hydrogen mole fractions are between 0.75 and approximately 0, or para-hydrogen fractions are between approximately 1 and 0.25, and this mixture ratio in the liquid hydrogen reservoir can be kept constant over time. The object is achieved in that the input mass flow is withdrawn from the liquid hydrogen reservoir and returned to the liquid hydrogen reservoir as an output mass flow.