Model-based Diagnostics for Propellant Loading Systems

Therefore, diagnostic solutions are neces- sary to quickly identify when a fault occurs, so that recov- ery actions can be taken or an abort procedure can be initi- ated. Model-based diagnosis solutions, established using an in-depth analysis and understanding of the underlying physi- cal processes, offer the advanced capability to quickly detect and isolate faults, identify their severity, and predict their ef- fects on system performance.

We develop a physics-based model of a cryogenic propellant loading system, which de- scribes the complex dynamics of liquid hydrogen filling from a storage tank to an external vehicle tank, as well as the in- fluence of different faults on this process. The model takes into account the main physical processes such as highly non- equilibrium condensation and evaporation of the hydrogen vapor, pressurization, and also the dynamics of liquid hydro- gen and vapor flows inside the system in the presence of he- lium gas.