High Energy Density and High Power Density Thermal Energy Storage

Thermal energy storage for load smoothing can be beneficial in applications having large transient heat load compared to steady-state heat rejection. Laser weapons and high-power microwave generators are examples where TES can help. Ammoniated complex compound systems can provide heat absorption due to exothermic dissociation of the complex compound. Very high energy density and power density TES are possible, and there are no standby losses from a charged system. Gas released during dissociation must be stored. Phase I will evaluate systems storing gas (a) in and pressurized vessel, and (b) in a gas-storage reactor with a lower vapor pressure complex compound. TES systems of this type are recharged by allowing ammonia to return to the TES vessel and reform the complex compound. Thousands of TES-recharge cycles are possible. Heat and mass transfer processes and internal structures developed at Rocky Research ensure high reaction rates and stabilize the solid reactant. Phase II will focus on development and demonstration of the preferred configuration. Heat storage from a 70 & #61616;C load from a microwave generator will the primary focus of both phases. BENEFIT: Anticipated Benefits/Potential Commercial Applications of the Research or Development. (No classified or proprietary information)