Accession Number:

AD1017572

Title:

Thermal Fluid Analysis of the Heat Sink and Chip Carrier Assembly for a US Army Research Laboratory Liquid-Fueled Thermophotovoltaic Power Source Demonstrator

Descriptive Note:

Technical Report

Corporate Author:

US Army Research Laboratory Adelphi United States

Personal Author(s):

• Allmon, William R
• Waits,C. M.

Report Date:

2016-09-01

Pagination or Media Count:

32.0

Abstract:

Compact power sources with high energy and power densities are critical for many military applications. These applications span from personal or squad-level power sources for long-duration missions without resupply to unmanned air vehicles requiring only a few hours of running time. In the 10-100 W power range, battery technology is the best solution currently available, but higher-energy dense technologies are needed to augment batteries and extend the available energy density well beyond state-of-the-art battery technology. One way to approach this is to take advantage of the large energy content of hydrocarbons or alcohols. Conversion efficiencies of only a few percent can provide comparable energy density to battery technology with the added advantage of instant recharge. One technology being pursued by the US Army Research Laboratory is combustion-based thermophotovoltaic power sources. Combustion can be used to convert fuel to heat a surface to temperatures above 500 deg C. To support this work, this report details the analysis of the chip carrier and water-cooled heat sink to control the temperature of the photovoltaic cell while exposed to radiation from the emitter.

Descriptors:

• heat sinks
• power supplies
• energy conversion
• heat transfer
• thermal conductivity
• combustion
• high energy
• military applications
• drones
• missions
• energy density
• conduction (heat transfer)
• long range(time)
• hydrocarbons
• alcohols

Subject Categories:

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE