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Development of an integrated heat pipe-thermal storage system for a solar receiverAn integrated heat pipe-thermal storage system was developed as part of the Organic Rankine Cycle Solar Dynamic Power System solar receiver for space station application. The solar receiver incorporates potassium heat pipe elements to absorb and transfer the solar energy within the receiver cavity. The heat pipes contain thermal energy storage (TES) canisters within the vapor space with a toluene heater tube used as the condenser region of the heat pipe. During the insolation period of the earth orbit, solar energy is delivered to the heat pipe. Part of this thermal energy is delivered to the heater tube and the balance is stored in the TES units. During the eclipse period of earth orbit, the stored energy in the TES units is transferred by the potassium vapor to the toluene heater tube. A developmental heat pipe element was constructed that contains axial arteries and a distribution wick connecting the toluene heater and the TES units to the solar insolation surface of the heat pipe. Tests were conducted to demonstrate the heat pipe, TES units, and the heater tube operation. The heat pipe element was operated at design input power of 4.8 kW. Thermal cycle tests were conducted to demonstrate the successful charge and discharge of the TES units. Axial power flux levels up to 15 watts/sq cm were demonstrated and transient tests were conducted on the heat pipe element. Details of the heat pipe development and test procedures are presented.
Document ID
19880056519
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Keddy, E.
(Los Alamos National Lab. NM, United States)
Sena, J. Tom
(Los Alamos National Lab. NM, United States)
Merrigan, M.
(Los Alamos National Laboratory NM, United States)
Heidenreich, Gary
(Sundstrand Corp. Rockford, IL, United States)
Johnson, Steve
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1988
Subject Category
Fluid Mechanics And Heat Transfer
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 88-2683
Accession Number
88A43746
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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