This project is directed towards developing a high heat capacity phase change material suspension for use as a heat transport/transfer fluid for thermal control applications. Previous work done by the PI has shown that a stable phase change material suspension as proposed can be made and used in conventional heat transfer systems. Experiments also show that such suspensions are highly efficient heat transfer/transport fluids that can be used to reduce pumping power and heat exchanger sizes by more than 90% and 50% respectively.As part of the proposed research, work will be done to develop a specific heat transfer fluid formulation that can be used in spacecraft temperature control as well as in terrestrial applications such as HVAC systems. In addition, a prototype heat transfer loop will be set up and tested during the Phase I research.
Potential Commercial Applications:Phase change material suspensions as proposed will have extensive applications in environmental control systems for terrestrial andd aerospace applications as well as in avionics and power electronics cooling, temperature controlled garments and other portable systems.
