High-capacity, High-rate Thermal Storage System

When the average thermal dissipation requirement is substantially lower than the peak requirement, a thermal storage system is an excellent candidate. The system takes up the brief, high-powered pulse and dissipates it slowly. This strategy shrinks the system and reduces the weight of the system. Depending on the specific application, cycle times may be relatively short, with rates of 1,000 kJ/sec (one megawatt) or greater. An important application is the thermal management of Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) systems. Different phase change materials (PCMs) are needed for different applications. In this project we will develop a high-capacity, high-rate TES that can deliver 1,000 kJ/kg at 20C (laser applications) to 70C (microwave applications) The proposed system can handle a high heat rates (1,000 kJ/sec) and high heat fluxes (e.g., >100 watts/cm2). Several candidate storage materials have been identified that can approach or exceed the goal of 1,000 kJ/kg storage capacity. In Phase I, TDA will perform a system study to select the most promising materials. Laboratory testing will be done to proof the concept and a preliminary design will be prepared. Weight, volume, and power requirements will be determined, and a prototype TES system will be built in Phase II.