A new method of efficient heat transfer and storage at very high temperaturesA unique, high temperature (1000-2000 K) continuously operating capacitive heat exchanger system is described. The system transfers heat from a combustion or solar furnace to a working gas by means of a circulating high temperature molten refractory. A uniform aggregate of beads of a glass-like refractory is injected into the furnace volume. The aggregate is melted and piped to a heat exchanger where it is sprayed through a counter-flowing, high pressure working gas. The refractory droplets transfer their heat to the gas, undergoing a phase change into the solid bead state. The resulting high temperature gas is used to drive a suitable high efficiency heat engine. The solidified refractory beads are delivered back to the furnace and melted to continue the cycle. This approach avoids the important temperature limitations of conventional tube-type heat exchangers, giving rise to the potential of converting heat energy into useful work at considerably higher efficiencies than currently attainable and of storing energy at high thermodynamic potential.
Document ID
19800064010
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Shaw, D. (Washington Univ. Seattle, WA, United States)
Bruckner, A. P. (Washington Univ. Seattle, WA, United States)
Hertzberg, A. (Washington, University Seattle, Wash., United States)