Experimental and Theoretical Analysis of Heat of Fusion Storage for Solar Dynamic Space Power Systems

An experimental and theoretical analysis of heat of fusion storage has been performed. The storage salts LiF and LiF-MgF/sub 2/ had been used for the experiments. Thermophysical data on these media was measured or could be evaluated by comparision with calculations. The presented simulation model is able to predict melt and solidification time and the heat output achievable with a given cooling condition. In order to achieve a suitable charge and discharge characteristic the heat of fusion storage canisters should be installed around the working fluid tubes or heat pipes, which also should be the heat source for the storage unit during charge cycle. Furthermore, possibilities to use ceramic materials have been considered. Preliminary tests with LiF indicate, that the problems caused by the volume contraction of the storage salt can be solved with ceramic foams. A reaction storage system's mass by 25% is expected by using Sircon (Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ SiC) foams.