This country is facing an extremely difficult problem inproviding electrical energy in sufficient quantities for the nearfuture. This problem is compounded, on the one hand, by the veryhigh cost of constructing nuclear powerplants and extremely longapproval times; on the other hand by the fact that conventionalpowerplants, which cost $1 billion and more, not only exacerbatethe the pollution problem, but also deplete scarce naturalresources. Unfortunately, one of the major obstacles to theimplementation of programs designed to use inexpensive, off-peakelectrical thermal storage to solve this problem is the lack of anappliance that can overcome the many serious problems of off-peakdevices on the market today. All of the present devices storesensible energy in high density bricks. These bricks are heated to1,400'F, which results in several undesirable effects, in additionto the potential hazard of burning to individuals and property. This project attempts to overcome all the problems of conventionalstorage devices by using an innovative approach that allows moreenergy to be stored, at a lower temperature, in a smaller volume,than a mass of bricks, for a comparable energy output. DuringPhase I an appliance will be tested that utilize the concept ofhigh density energy storage in a phase change material. One of themajor that will be addressed is the problem of the compatibility ofthe energy storage medium with the container. In addition, a veryeffective insulation system will be investigated that @wiu providefor a drop in temperature between the high temperature energystorage container and the outside cover plate of the appliance of65(rF in just 1/4 in., thereby maintaining it at near ambienttemperature.Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee:Successful completion of Phase I will demonstratethat a new approach to off-peak electric energy storage can providemore thermal energy, at greater electrical efficiency, and in asmaller volume than present day devices. Being more attractive insize and outperforming current appliances, this new appliance maymake a significant improvement in the amount of off-peak electricpower used by residential and commercial customers and capture amajor fraction of the markets for these appliances.
