Thermal Energy Storage Evaluation and Life Testing.

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Abstract:

Two thermal energy storage TES units which were built under a previous contract were tested with a Hi-Cap Vuilleumier cryogenic cooler in the facility of the Hughes Aircraft Corporation. The objective of the program was the evaluation of the behavior of the TES units as well as the determination of the temperature history of the three cold stages of the Vuilleumier cryogenic cooler during cyclic charging and discharging of the TES units. The test results have confirmed that thermal energy storage can provide the necessary thermal power to the hot cylinders of the Vuilleumier cryogenic cooler at the required operating temperatures. Thereby the continuous cooling capability of the cooler during an eclipse when no electrical power is available is being assured. The cold stage temperature amplitudes during a complete charge - discharge cycle of the TES units were only about 10 of the amplitudes which were observed when the Hi-Cap Vuilleumier cryogenic cooler was operating without thermal energy storage backup in a simulated orbit of 54 minutes sun exposure and 18 minutes eclipse time. The themal conductivity of the molten thermal energy storage salt was apparently only a fraction of the thermal conductivity which had been assumed for the prediction of the upper heater temperatures. A redesign of the heater temperatures below 1480 degrees F which is now required for full charging of the TES units within 54 minutes with the present heater design. Author

Author(s):
Richter, Robert
Author Organization(s):
JET PROPULSION LAB PASADENA CA
Descriptive Note:
Interim rept. May-Oct 81,
Pagination:
0044

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
AFWAL-TR-82-2117
Contract/Grant Number(s):
NAS7-100
Task Number(s):
19
Project Number(s):
3145
Monitor Series:
TR-82-2117
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_5.3.3_Develop Strategy; JCA_5.3.4_Develop Courses of Action; JCA_5.3.5_Analyze Courses of Action; JCA_4.3_Maintain; JCA_5.5.2_Task; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_5.3.1_Analyze Problem; JCA_6_Net Centric
Communities of Interest:
Energy and Power Technologies
Descriptor(s):
*Thermal properties, *Energy storage, *Thermal power plants, *Life tests, *Cryogenic storage devices, Phase shift, Test methods, Thermal conductivity, Cooling, Cycles, Thermal utilization, Electric discharges
Field(s)/Group(s):
Energy Storage, Thermodynamics
Keyword(s):
Thermal energy storage, Space power, Phase change materials, Cold stages, Hi Cap Villerumier cryogenic coller, PE62203F, WUAFWAL31451949
Report Date:
1982 Jan 01