Session: 19-04: Symposium to Honor Professor Jane Davidson IV

Paper Number: 170074

170074 - Transforming Thermal Energy Storage Systems With Additive Manufacturing 

Abstract: 

Thermal energy storage (TES) has evolved from 19th-century ice harvesting to modern systems that increasingly utilize phase-change materials (PCMs) with high latent heat capacities. However, the low thermal conductivity of most PCMs presents a persistent challenge. This talk presents a paradigm shift in cool thermal energy storage form factors by leveraging compact heat exchanger (HX) geometries and additive manufacturing techniques. Compact HXs, with their small hydraulic diameters and high surface area densities, enable enhanced thermal performance by significantly reducing conduction length scales, thereby addressing thermal resistance. A novel method is introduced for directly 3D printing PCM composites using polymer filaments or photocurable resin, which allows for the fabrication of ultra-compact cores with integrated heat transfer features. This approach also allows for the backfilling of additional PCM in the conduits. This presentation provides an overview of polymer heat exchanger technologies, shape-stabilized PCMs, and recent progress in additive manufacturing strategies for next-generation TES systems

The talk will also include some of my personal memories of Jane and the invaluable mentorship she provided early in my career. In addition, I will highlight how the technical work connects to and builds upon Jane's own contributions, illustrating the lasting impact of her work on the thermal science community.

Presenting Author: Sandra Boetcher Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

Presenting Author Biography: Sandra Boetcher is a Professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University