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

摘要

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 ΔV 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.