Experimental and Theoretical Analysis of Heat of Fusion Storage for Solar Dynamic Space Power Systems.

Kurzfassung

An experimental and theoretical analysis of heat of fusion storage hahas been performed. The storage salts LiF and LiF-MgF2 had been used for the experiments. Thermophysical data on these media was measured or could be evaluated by comparison with calculations. The presented simulation model is able to predict melt and solidification time and the heat output achievable with a given cooling condition. In order to achieve a suitable charge and discharge characteristic, the heat of fusion storage canisters should be installed around the working fluid tubes or heat pipes, which also should be the heat source for the storage unit during the charge cycle. Furthermore, possibilities to use ceramic materials have been considered. Preliminary tests with LiF indicate that the problems caused by the volume contraction of the storage salt can be solved with ceramic foams. A reduction of the storage system's mass by 25 % is expected by using Sircon foams.