Computational Design and Experimental Demonstration of a Novel High Efficiency PCM Heat Exchanger Navy SBIR FY2010.3 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.3 Topic No.: N103-198 Topic Title: Computational Design and Experimental Demonstration of a Novel High Efficiency PCM Heat Exchanger Proposal No.: N103-198-0766 Firm: Mainstream Engineering Corporation 200 Yellow Place Pines Industrial Center Rockledge, Florida 32955 Contact: Joshua Sole Phone: (321) 631-3550 Web Site: www.mainstream-engr.com Abstract: The thermal management system (TMS) within the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) can experience thermal overload during certain flight segments. During these segments it would be advantageous to store some of the excess thermal energy, and reject it via the normal heat rejection avenues at a later time when the thermal load is not excessive. Mainstream proposes an innovative thermal energy storage heat exchanger based on traditional phase change materials (PCMs) such as paraffins or hydrated salts. Mainstream's concept eliminates the technological concerns typical associated with PCM heat exchangers such as: volumetric expansion, poor axial and radial thermal conductivity, and performance degradation after multiple melt/recharge cycles. Mainstream's solution addresses these challenges by utilizing advanced materials, and an innovative heat exchanger design that significantly improves axial and radial conductivity, and eliminates the negative impact of volumetric expansion of the PCM. Mainstream has also already developed a multiphysics, multi-phase finite element model of a PCM heat exchanger that will aid in the design process and identify the optimal embodiment of the proposed heat exchanger innovations. Benefits: The benefit of the proposed innovation is most apparent when military thermal management systems are considered. These systems often experience significant thermal transients and would benefit from integrated storage. In addition, the development of the novel PCM heat exchanger will be beneficial for residential air conditioners as a means of thermal load shifting. Thermal load shifting saves the homeowner from using electrical power during peak demand times and therefore lowers their electricity bill. Finally, the computational methods developed by Mainstream will enable rapid design and deployment of PCM-based heat exchangers for any given application. Return