A Study of a Liquid Metal Thermal Energy Source
Abstract
A study of combustor systems for the lithium-sulfurhexafluoride reaction combination is described. The objective of the study was to develop a combustor which could operate as a thermal energy source for long periods with variable thermal power levels. Several combustor concepts were examined, including: batch combustors with submerged injectors, steady combustors with submerged injectors, wall-mounted wick combustors and the reactive-heat-pipe. The reactive-heat-pipe was found to be the most attractive system to meet program objectives. This concept involves reacting lithium from one side of a wick while employing the other side as the evaporator of a heat pipe. The energy of reaction is transported to the load heat exchanger by the heat pipe portion of the system. Reactive-heat-pipes were operated for extended periods, over variable thermal load cycles. The systems exhibited good fuel utilization; compactness; fast response to load changes; wick power densities on the order of MW per sq. m; restart capability; and uniform heat exchanger temperatures, even with large heat flux variations over the surface. Methods were also developed for refueling combustors.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA145906
Entities
People
- G. M. Faeth
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University