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Title: Two component thermal storage material study phase II. Final report

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5778919· OSTI ID:5778919

A slurry or packed-bed type thermal storage medium consisting of microsized capsules of a phase change material in a fluid offers the advantages of high heat capacity per unit volume and high rate of heat transfer to the phase change material. Several samples of Sunoco's P116 wax were encapsulated in particle sizes of 500 to 1000 u. These samples were subjected to a accelerated simulated solar system environment of temperature cycling through the melting temperature of the wax. The wall durability under the stresses due to the volume change of the wax as it changes phase was tested, and a capsule was identified for additional application studied. A packed-bed approach to utilizing the capsules in a solar heating and cooling system was evaluated. A laboratory-scale packed-bed test assembly was designed and constructed for the experimental evaluation. The capsules were found to have insufficient durability to withstand the packed-bed environment. The current projected capsule costs are 2 to 3 times higher than an economically-acceptable commercial product.

Research Organization:
General Electric Co., Philadelphia, PA (USA). Space Div.
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-C-02-2845
OSTI ID:
5778919
Report Number(s):
COO-2845-78/2
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English