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Title: Active heat exchange system development for latent heat thermal energy storage

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6930385

The results of Contract DEN 3-38, Active Heat Exchanger System Development for Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Systems are documented. The overall project consisted of five tasks to select, design, fabricate, test and evaluate candidate active heat exchanger modules for future applications to solar and conventional utility power plants. Alternative mechanizations of active heat exchange concepts were analyzed for use with heat of fusion Phase Change Materials (PCMs) in the temperature range of 250 to 350/sup 0/C. Twenty-six heat exchange concepts were reviewed, and eight were selected for detailed assessment. Two candidates were selected for small-scale experimentation: a coated tube and shell heat exchanger and a direct contact reflux boiler. A dilute eutectic mixture of sodium nitrate and sodium hydroxide was selected as the PCM from over 50 candidate inorganic salt mixtures. Using an economic assessment program coupling the candidate salt mixtures and heat exchange concepts, NaNO/sub 3/, NaNO/sub 2/, and NaOH appeared to be the most attractive major components in the temperature range of 250 to 350/sup 0/C. The two active heat exchange concepts selected for test are shown. Experimental results with each concept were disappointing. Results from the Direct Contact Reflux Boiler experiment showed only 60% of the design steam pressure was achieved, and the Shell and Coated Tube Flowby Module experienced salt adhesion on the tube surfaces. Further experimentation is recommended.

Research Organization:
Honeywell, Inc., Minneapolis, MN (USA). Technology Strategy Center
DOE Contract Number:
AI01-76CS31034
OSTI ID:
6930385
Report Number(s):
DOE/NASA/0038-80/2; NASA-CR-159727; HI-79188
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English