Graphite Foam Heat Exchanger Technology for Energy Recovery

Thermal management is important in nearly every commercial and industrial sector. In the power generation industry, even modest improvements in energy recovery effectiveness can result in more environmentally-conscious power generation and billions of dollars in annual savings. This project will develop technology for using graphite foam in gas-to-liquid energy recovery heat exchangers for specific application in the power generation industry. Graphite foam heat exchangers will provide significant size and weight advantages compared to conventional aluminum and stainless steel heat exchangers, thereby reducing space requirements and simplifying installation. Furthermore, the thermal contact mechanism will simplify assembly and maintenance, extend the lifespan, and reduce cost. Phase I will validate the technology for the graphite foam, energy-recovery heat exchanger. Phase II will develop full-scale prototypes for conducting field studies. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: In addition to the power plant application, graphite foam thermal management should be extendable to other gas-to-liquid applications in: automobiles, trucks, trains, airplanes, and satellites; residential, commercial, and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning; and chemical, petroleum, food-processing, and manufacturing.