FINS AND FOAMS HEAT EXCHANGERS WITH PHASE CHANGE FOR CRYOGENIC THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE AND FAULT CURRENT LIMITERS

摘要

This disclosure describes a composite device that is referred to as a Cryogenic Thermal Energy Storage Module (CTESM), which can be used to substantially increase the thermal storage capacity of a cryogenic device. To maximize the utility of the CTESM, it needs to be constructed in such a way that the thermal gradient through the device is low. Ideally, the temperature across the thermal storage module should be uniform. Heat flow from the bulk of the thermal storage module is provided by embedding fins in the direction of heat flow from the module to the cryogenic device. Temperature gradients across the device are minimized by partially filling the gap between fins with high porosity, thermal conducting metal foams.