Encapsulated sink-side thermal energy storage for pulsed space power systems
In sprint mode space applications, which require high power for relatively short durations, energy storage devices may be employed to reduce the size and mass of the thermal management system. This is accomplished by placing the reject heat in the thermal store during the sprint mode. During the remaining nonoperational portion of the orbit the stored heat is dissipated to space. The heat rejection rate is thus reduced, and this results in a smaller radiator being required. Lithium hydride (LiH) has been identfied as the best candidate for use in power system sink-side thermal energy storage applications due to its superior heat storage properties and suitable melt temperature (T/sub m/ = 962K). To maximize storage density, both sensible and latent modes of heat storage are used. This paper focuses on the use of encapsulated lithium hydride shapes in a packed bed storage unit with lithium or NaK as the heat transport fluid. Analytical and experimental development work associated with the concept is described. Since the program is in its early stages, emphasis thus far has been on feasibility issues associated with encapsulating lithium hydride spheres. These issues include shell stress induced by phase-change during heating, hydrogen diffusion through the encapsulating shell, heat transfer limitations due to poor conductivity of the salt, void behavior, and material constraints. The impact of these issues on the design of encapsulated lithium hydride spheres has been evaluated, and design alternatives have been identified for circumventing key problem areas.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- OSTI ID:
- 5808216
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-870804-47; ON: DE88003917
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 22. intersociety energy conversion engineering conference, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 10 Aug 1987; Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Development of encapsulated lithium hydride thermal energy storage for space power systems
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Related Subjects
25 ENERGY STORAGE
ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS
DESIGN
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
SPACE POWER REACTORS
HEAT TRANSFER
ENERGY DENSITY
LITHIUM HYDRIDES
RADIATORS
SPACE WEAPONS
ALKALI METAL COMPOUNDS
ENERGY SYSTEMS
ENERGY TRANSFER
HEAT EXCHANGERS
HYDRIDES
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
LITHIUM COMPOUNDS
MOBILE REACTORS
POWER REACTORS
REACTORS
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
210600* - Power Reactors
Auxiliary
Mobile Package
& Transportable
250600 - Energy Storage- Thermal