Heat Transfer Research

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Special Features of Heat and Mass Exchange in Cryogenic Heat Accumulators

S. V. Konev
A. V. Luikov Heat and Mass Transfer Institute, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Minsk, Belarus

N. S. Koneva
A. V. Luikov Heat and Mass Transfer Institute, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Minsk, Belarus

ABSTRACT

We analyze the operation of cryogenic heat accumulators with melting-crystallization phase changes. Numerical investigations are carried out for ethane (T_mel = 90 K), isopentane (T_mel =110 K), and heptane (T_mel = 190 K). We have designed the accumulators the charge and discharge of which is carried out with the aid of a heat pipe, i.e., thermal diode. Experimental investigations of the constructions developed made it possible to optimize the capillary structure with the accumulating medium. The advantages of conical capillaries are shown.