Project Title:
Improved Thermal Energy Storage System for Solar-Dynamic, Space-Power Generation
10.01-3200A
Improved Thermal Energy Storage System for Solar-Dynamic, Space-Power Generation
Foster-Miller Inc.
350 Second Avenue
Waltham
MA
02254
Philip
Stark
(617-890-3200)
LeRC
Abstract:
The use of high-temperature, phase-change materials (PCM) for transient thermal storage
in space solar power plants encounters the major technical issue of containment of
the PCM. This project will study a new, promising approach for PCM containment that
offers potentially significant advantages over other containment systems. The innovation
is to incorporate a metallic PCM into thin, highly porous sheets of carbon-carbon
composite by hot isostatic pressing. The carbon-carbon sheets containing the PCM
are then encapsulated in a thin, compatible coating of Si3N4. For Phase I, with germanium
selected as the metallic PCM, the project will evaluate the feasibility of incorporating
a high-temperature PCM into carbon-carbon. In addition, the Si3N4-encapsulated, germanium,
carbon-carbon composite heat-storage system will be evaluated in terms of its thermal
characteristics and its mechanical and chemical stability under freeze-thaw cycling.
Potential Commercial Application:
Potential Commercial Applications: Immediate applications could be aboard high-power
spacecraft for military missions. In the longer-term, with the eventual commercialization
of space, the technology could be applied by the private sector.