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SpaceFlow

INNOspace_label_results_2021-3rd DLR

SpaceFlow

SpaceFlow

Energy security plays a major role for satellites and space stations due to their isolated places of operation. Since solar energy is often used to operate these spacecraft, reliable energy storage systems are crucial to compensate for fluctuations in direct solar radiation. These storage systems need to have a very long service life as well as a high operational safety in order to sustainably reduce resource-intensive replacement missions as well as hazards for humans and equipment. However, the battery systems currently used in spacecraft have significant deficits in these areas. That’s why, with »SpaceFlow«, a new energy storage concept for space applications is being presented, which completely fulfils the requirements. »SpaceFlow« is an incomparably long-lasting, charge-cycle-stable, safe and reliable redox flow battery system based on porous metal foam electrodes and zinc-polyiodide electrolytes. The innovative design allows the pressure-stable yet flexible battery cells to be integrated directly into the spacecraft support structures, so that, in addition to energy storage, other functions such as module stiffening or thermal management can be realised with an efficient use of space.

Benefits:

  • Very long service life and theoretically unlimited cycle stability
  • Particularly high operational safety and environmentally neutral cell chemistry
  • Very efficient use of space with multiple applications

Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental,
Safety, and Energy Technology UMSICHT
Jan Girschik
jan.girschik@umsicht.fraunhofer.de
www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de

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Small intelligent system for space independence (SISSI)

INNOspace_label_results_2021-2nd ESA BIC

Small intelligent system for space independence (SISSI)

Metrom, Hartmannsdorf, Merlin, Smarthoch3, Smart³, Fr. Witt

It will be necessary to establish local production capabilities in space in the near future. The transport costs and time until components are available are the most important factors here, which make it essential to manufacture and repair on site. The conventional production capabilities available up to now on Earth are heavy, cannot be transported, and require mechanical precision in the machine structure to allow for accuracy on the workpiece. Robots used for processing are not precise enough and consist of various individual components. The solution here is to develop and manufacture a miniaturised processing system based on parallel kinematics. The modular basic structure and the inherent features of the functionality demonstrated on Earth are redesigned, manufactured in a miniaturised form, and put into operation. This is what SISSI was made for.
A small processing system, which can adapt to the environmental conditions and always creates the optimal result with the lowest possible use of resources.

Benefits:

  • Mechanically simple structure with repeated components
  • μ-level precision thanks to self-calibration
  • Processing in unfavourable conditions thanks to dust protection and temperature compensation
  • No limit on processing by replacing the technological tools
  • High degree of stiffness due to special frame shape
  • Low energy consumption

Metrom Mechatronische Maschinen GmbH
Marcus Witt
marcus.witt@metrom.com
www.metrom.com

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TOMOPLEX – A sensor film to monitor structures during flight and under a load

INNOspace_label_results_2021-2nd DLR

TOMOPLEX – A sensor film to monitor structures during flight and under a load

INNOspace_Broschuere_2020-2021-2nd DLR

Only reusability ensures cost-effectiveness in order to be able to operate the space sector in line with “New Space”. However, the possible saving in costs is limited by maintenance requirements. Some faults also only occur under a load, but remain hidden during inspections without a load. One example of this is break lines, which fit together perfectly in an unloaded state. A comprehensive installation of measuring probes to monitor structures during flight is not currently feasible, as the conventional measuring technology required for this is too large and heavy. The problem of needing to monitor structures in real time has now been resolved by creating a version of the sensor as a sensor film that can be applied to the surfaces of the structures undergoing monitoring. It is possible to use alternative measuring procedures and, in particular, electric impedance tomography (EIT) here, which has been uncommon in the aerospace sector up to now. The sensor film acts as the circuit carrier for a wireless sensor network. The sensor film is space-saving and flexible, and can also be used in hard-to-reach areas.

Benefits:

  • Continuous real-time monitoring under a load during flight
  • Increase in the likelihood of reusability
  • Reduced costs due to optimised maintenance with the aid of innovative analysis data

Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
Alexander Hilgarth, Prof. Sergio Montenegro
alexander.hilgarth@uni-wuerzburg.de
sergio.montenegro@uni-wuerzburg.de
www.uni-wuerzburg.de

Universität Würzburg
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QuVeKS – quantum processors for encrypted communication with satellites

INNOspace_label_results_2021-1st DLR

QuVeKS – quantum processors for encrypted communication with satellites

INNOspace_Broschuere_2020-2021-1st DLR

Novel quantum technologies of the 21st century promise unconditionally secure communication, exponentially larger computational power as well as compact and more precise sensors. Many of the quantum systems under investigation, however, are application-specific and not compatible with each other. Within the QuVeKS project, a universal quantum processor will be developed at the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena and the CiS Forschungsinstitut für Mikrosensorik. This processor integrates the entire architecture, from the quantum light source to the detectors, into a compact circuit and can be universally programmed just like a computer chip for various applications. The project places a special focus on secure communication with satellites, as the QuVeKS chip can be used as a light source for quantum cryptography during daylight. Moreover, compared to conventional laser-based systems, the data rates can be enhanced drastically. In the long term, end-user devices such as smartphones or computers could also be equipped with such a QuVeKS chip, where it could be used as a secure random number generator or as a sensor.

Benefits:

  • Secure communication based on the laws of nature
  • Higher data rates compared to laser-based systems
  • Flexible use cases through universal programming
  • Future standard component with local supply chain

Institute of Applied Physics,
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Dr Tobias Vogl
tobias.vogl@uni-jena.de
www.iap.uni-jena.de

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PhySens – intelligent system maintenance and current monitoring

INNOspace_label_results_2021-1st ESA BIC

PhySens – intelligent system maintenance and current monitoring

PhySens

With increasing automation and demand for energy efficiency, new digital measurement solutions are more pertinent than ever for monitoring and process optimisations. Existing products based on current monitoring lack flexibility and are costly to install. Due to the operating principle, these sensors can only measure the current in a single conductor of a cable. Therefore, these systems are unsuitable for many businesses, especially for retrofits because of cost and complexity. Based on space technology deployed as part of ESA’s Rosetta Mission, PhySens GmbH developed a contactless, non-invasive and easily retrofittable sensor solution for current measurement. By simply mounting the sensor on a cable, it measures the currents in all conductors simultaneously using high-precision magnetic field data. As a result, this new sensor-solution can detect and classify anomalies in current profiles caused by e.g. faulty motors or seized bearings in hard-to-access or sealed machinery. This is vital for intelligent load management and predictive maintenance as part of industrial automation or future manned space missions.

Benefits:

  • New contactless, non-invasive current sensor based on space technology
  • Vital for industrial automation
  • Easy-to-install, flexible and safe solution also suitable for space applications

PhySens GmbH
Katharina Ostaszewski
k.ostaszewski@physens.de
www.physens.de

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