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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Thermal power transfer system using applied potential difference to sustain operating pressure difference

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5843133

This patent describes a thermal power transfer system using a phase change liquid-gas fluid in a closed loop configuration. It comprises a gas conduit; a liquid conduit; a heat exchange member for inputting thermal energy into the fluid so that the pressure of the gas conduit is higher than the liquid conduit; barrier means between the gas conduit and the liquid conduit to maintain a pressure differential while permitting transmission of the fluid through the barrier means, including a solid electrolyte member having the capability of transmitting ions of the fluid through the electrolyte member and a porous electrode operatively positioned relative to the electrolyte member for creating an electrical field across the electrolyte member to drive the ions of the fluid through the solid electrolyte member; means, attached to the electrode member, for applying an electrical field to force the ions of the fluid from the lower pressure liquid conduit to the higher pressure gas conduit, and means, connected to the gas conduit and liquid conduit for outputting thermal energy.

Assignee:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, DC (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5066337; A
Application Number:
PPN: US 7-568130
OSTI ID:
5843133
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English