Session: 03-03: Energy Storage Separate from CSP: Thermal, Mechanical, Thermochemical

Paper Number: 130839

130839 - Melting Cycle of Phase Change Materials in Micro-Gravity 

Abstract: 

Efficient thermal management of vital systems on spacecraft is necessary to overcome the challenges presented by the extreme conditions they operate in. Phase change materials (PCMs) have presented significant advantages in enhancing the capabilities of thermal energy storage (TES) systems for various applications in space, including on next generation spacesuits. When incorporated into a TES system, PCMs offer an improvement to the thermal management capabilities of that system. This is due to the inherently high latent heat of fusion of PCMs, meaning they absorb and store large thermal loads during phase change from solid to liquid. In addition, PCMs are ideal for meeting weight requirements in space vehicles due to the high energy-to-weight ratio that they demonstrate. Although PCMs display desirable properties in the light of thermal energy storage, they suffer from low thermal conductivity. In this research, we investigate phase change process of PCM with enhanced heat transfer media, a 3D printed lattice structure to overcome technical challenge of low heat conductivity. This structure is composed of an aluminum alloy, chosen for its high thermal conductivity and printability. Addressing the low thermal conductivity of the PCM is crucial because in micro-gravity conditions where the PCM will be operating, the lack of gravity reduces the effects of buoyancy that limits heat transfer within the PCM. The heat transfer mode is governed by conduction under micro-gravity condition. The high thermal conductivity of the lattice will allow the heat to propagate through the PCM more efficiently, making up for the lack of convective heat transfer. We gather data on the melting process of PCMs in microgravity conditions by developing an autonomous testing chamber to be taken on a series of sub-orbital flights. Thermal and optical cameras are used to gather temperature distribution and liquid volume fraction on the melting cycle of a PCM, and various sensors and actuators are utilized to control the experiment. After the flight, the data gathered will be analyzed and compared with numerical simulations of the melting cycle of the PCM under microgravity. Total two sets of experimental data, ground and flight-testing data will be used to validate the CFD simulations. By performing fundamental study on the effects of gravity level and lattice structure, we aim to develop a high-fidelity tool to be used to optimize various parameters of the lattice structure used to enhance heat transfer to the PCM without the need for high-cost experiment such as sub-orbital flight testing.

Presenting Author: Ethan Schuetzle Institute for Clean Energy Technology

Presenting Author Biography: Ethan received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in December 2022 and is currently pursuing a Masters degree from Mississippi State University. He is employed at the Institute for Clean Energy Technology as a Graduate Research Assistant.

Authors:

Ethan Schuetzle Institute for Clean Energy Technology
Prashant Singh University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Cho Heejin University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Joonsik Hwang Institute for Clean Energy Technology
Alta Knizley Institute for Clean Energy Technology
Will Mckelvey Institute for Clean Energy Technology
Hayden Allen Institute for Clean Energy Technology