When two fluids of different concentrations are separated by a semipermeable membrane, the solvent, by direct osmosis, will flow into a solution of higher concentration to attain equilibrium. This principle can be utilized to design osmotically pumped energy transport systems. An osmotic heat pipe using commercially available membranes has been constructed and continuous operation demonstrated. Evaluation of potential applications indicates that totally passive energy transport systems can be developed for applications such as deicing of leading edges of aircraft wings, helicopter rotor blades, cooling of electronics, and solar heating and cooling of buildings. (Peters)
Osmotically pumped energy transport system
Osmotisches Energietransportsystem
AIAA-Papers ; 1-4
1980
4 Seiten, 7 Bilder, 6 Quellen
Conference paper
English