Growth of electrical power requirement projected for the Space Station has prompted serious consideration of a solar dynamic power system (SDPS) because of its potential advantages over a photovoltaic power system at higher power levels. The SDPS uses rotating or reciprocating heat engines to convert the Sun's energy into electricity. Three heat-engine types, which are based on the Brayton, Rankine, and Stirling cycles, are being investigated. Because the engine requires a relatively constant-temperature source of energy throughout the orbit, a thermal energy storage (TES) system is needed for dark-side operation. The manner in which a dynamic conversion system can incorporate a TES system, which uses a phase-change material to absorb energy at essentially constant temperature on the light side of the orbit and then to release this energy to the engine at the same temperature for use on the dark side, is described. Methods of TES described include both latent- and sensible-heat systems. The issue of integrating the TES system into the over all electrical power system is discussed. Since the TES system is considered to be a weak link in the SDPS with regard to technology readiness, an assessment of required technology and ongoing TES efforts for SDPS development is presented.


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    Title :

    Thermal energy storage for a space solar dynamic power system


    Additional title:

    Thermische Energiespeicherung fuer ein solardynamisches Satelliten-Energieversorgungssystem


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    1985


    Size :

    6 Seiten, 5 Bilder, 1 Tabelle, 16 Quellen


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English