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

Abstract

Solar thermal propulsion offers a unique combination of high thrust and high specific impulse levels that can provide competitive advantages relative to traditional satellite propulsion systems. In order to enhance the functionality of this technology, thermal storage combined with a means of thermal-to-electric conversion is suggested, with the idea of providing a dual-mode power and propulsion system based on thermal energy. A system including boron phase change material for storing energy, an insulating containment system consisting of boron nitride, carbon bonded carbon fiber, and vacuum gap insulation is proposed, with thermophotovoltaics used for electrical conversion. A laboratory solar concentration system has been constructed and experiments to directly heat small quantities of boron have begun, so that the nature and challenges of this system can be evaluated.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 13, 2011
Accession Number
ADA548427

Entities

People

  • Anthony P. Pancotti
  • David B. Scharfe
  • Matthew R. Gilpin

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Ceramic Materials
  • Chemistry
  • Energy Storage
  • Heat Energy
  • Heat Transfer
  • Latent Heat
  • Material Degradation Processes
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Thermal Propulsion Systems
  • Thermodynamics

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Computer Science/Computer Engineering/Data Science/Digital Signal Processing.
  • Reinforced Composite Materials
  • Solar Photovoltaics and Thermoelectric Devices.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Graphene
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster