Molten Boron Phase-Change Thermal Energy Storage to Augment Solar Thermal Propulsion Systems

Gilpin, Matthew R; Scharfe, David B.; Pancotti, Anthony

doi:10.2514/6.2011-5986

Cited by 13 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…A comparison of state of the art thermal-electric conversion technologies indicates that thermophotovolatic (TPV) conversion is the best option for an augmented STP system based on a relatively high conversion efficiency and the ability to operate at high temperatures. 3 The stable, high temperature energy delivery of the proposed latent heat storage is well suited to thermophotovoltaic operation and a boron based system has peak emission wavelengths near the cutoff for existing InGaAs photovoltaic cells.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The particular application explored here is that of a microsatellite combined power and propulsion system. The design goals of such a system have been discussed previously, [2][3][4][5] and will only be briefly recapitulated here.…”

Section: Ia Augmented Solar Thermal Design For Microsatellitesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Since silicon is highly reactive in the liquid state, materials studies were conducted and identified boron nitride (BN) as a promising container material due to a self limiting reaction with molten silicon and synergy with potential molten boron container designs. [2][3][4][5][6] Test sections are designed for a minimum solar furnace input power of 750 W and are intended to provide straight forward system characterization and model validation as opposed to maximum thermal efficiency.…”

Section: Iiia Test Design and Proceedurementioning

confidence: 99%

“…To mitigate these issues, it has been suggested that a solar thermal propulsion system be combined with high performance thermal energy storage (to eliminate any timing constraints on propulsive maneuvers) and a means of thermal-electric conversion (to eliminate the need for a 'legacy' power system) in a bi-modal configuration. [2][3][4][5][6] With such a combined system, solar thermal energy could provide both propulsive and electrical power for a satellite. A technological review has indicated that effective thermal energy storage is the enabling technology for such a system and it is proposed that the latent heat of molten elemental materials can provide a robust, high temperature, and high density thermal energy storage solution.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Experimental Investigation of Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage for Bi-Modal Solar Thermal Propulsion

Gilpin

Scharfe

Young

et al. 2014

12th International Energy Conversion Engineering Conference

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Ia Augmented Solar Thermal Design For Microsatellitesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Iiia Test Design and Proceedurementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Experimental Investigation of Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage for Bi-Modal Solar Thermal Propulsion

Gilpin

Scharfe

Young

et al. 2014

12th International Energy Conversion Engineering Conference

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…A comparison of state of the art thermal-electric conversion technologies indicates that thermophotovolatic (TPV) conversion is the best option for an augmented STP system based on a relatively high conversion efficiency and the ability to operate at high temperatures. 6 The stable, high temperature energy delivery of the proposed latent heat storage is well suited to thermophotovoltaic operation and a boron based system has peak emission wavelengths near the cutoff for existing InGaAs photovoltaic cells.…”

Section: Augmented Solar Thermal Propulsion For Microsatellitesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Phase-Change Thermal Energy Storage and Conversion: Development and Analysis for Solar Thermal Propulsion

Gilpin¹,

Scharfe²,

Young³

2012

48th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference &Amp;amp; Exhibit

Self Cite

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Solar thermal propulsion offers a unique combination of high thrust and high specific impulse that can provide competitive advantages relative to traditional satellite propulsion systems. Enhancing the functionality of this technology will require a robust thermal energy storage method that can be combined with a means of thermal-to-electric conversion (i.e. thermophotovoltaic cells). This combination creates a high performance dual mode power and propulsion system that can eliminate the traditional photovoltaic-battery combination on existing satellites. A thermal energy storage system based on the phase change of molten elemental materials is proposed as the enabling technology. Molten boron is identified as the optimal phase change material (PCM), but presents significant engineering challenges. Thus, molten silicon is proposed as a near term, moderate performance storage option. A systems level comparison against existing technologies shows that both thermal storage materials present a performance benefit versus current technological benchmarks, and with optimistic future assumptions, it appears that a boron-based system can provide a ∆V improvement of more than 40% while maintaining rapid satellite maneuverability. An ongoing experimental effort is focused on producing a proof of concept thermal energy storage system. Materials testing has determined the stability of boron nitride in the presence of molten silicon in the short term, and solar furnace testing has resulted in silicon melting for the first time. Testing of the solar furnace using copper as a surrogate PCM has revealed experimental concerns with PCM heat transfer rates and has resulted in a design for a new full scale solar furnace. This furnace will operate at scales that are relevant to spacecraft development.

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Phase change materials in space systems. Fundamental applications, materials and special requirements – A review

Diaconu,

Cruceru,

Anghelescu

2024

Acta Astronautica

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Molten Boron Phase-Change Thermal Energy Storage to Augment Solar Thermal Propulsion Systems

Cited by 13 publications

References 25 publications

Experimental Investigation of Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage for Bi-Modal Solar Thermal Propulsion

Experimental Investigation of Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage for Bi-Modal Solar Thermal Propulsion

Phase-Change Thermal Energy Storage and Conversion: Development and Analysis for Solar Thermal Propulsion

Phase change materials in space systems. Fundamental applications, materials and special requirements – A review

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