Field Validation of Microencapsulated Phase Change Material Slurry as Heat Transfer Fluid

EW-201154

Objective

Many DoD buildings require large amounts of heat transfer fluids (HTF) to operate ground source heat pumps (GSHP) and building cooling loops. The pumping energy associated with circulating these HTFs is costly. The objective of this project is to validate the performance of a new type of microencapsulated phase change material (MPCM) slurry as a HTF in commercial heat transfer equipment. Incorporating MPCMs into HTFs significantly increases the effective heat carrying capacity, thereby reducing the pumping energy required to circulate these fluids. This technology is being demonstrated at Fort Hood, Texas and Fort Drum New York.

Back to Top

Technology Description

The latent heat of melting of certain polymers can be leveraged to increase the heat-carrying capacity of a cooling fluid. These materials are encapsulated in a durable shell that is also damage resistant. The MPCM formulations being tested are resistant to damage caused by turbulent flow or by being forced through a progressive cavity pump or obstructions such as tight fitting valves and sharp bends.

Back to Top

Benefits

Because the MPCM slurry formulation has a 50% higher heat capacity than water (standard HTF), a lesser volume of HTF is required, thereby reducing pumping energy requirements. Greater heat-carrying capacity of a fluid reduces the capital costs for future cooling systems designed using this technology. In addition, existing cooling loops can provide greater cooling capacity using the same hardware. Conservative calculations suggest that MPCM-based systems can expect to save at least $25 per year per 100W of pumping power consumed. Translated DoD wide, only for ground source heat pumps, this would be a savings of approximately $300k per year. Additional implications of this technology include use on shipboard systems. Greater efficiency cooling systems yields smaller power-plant requirements and lighter weight cooling systems.

Back to Top

Interim Results

Isolating heat exchanger is procured and system design is complete for Ft. Hood location. Equipment is procured and installed. Baseline data is being recorded at both locations.

Back to Top

Points of Contact

Principal Investigator

Mr. Sean Morefield

US Army Engineer Research and Development Center

Phone: 217-373-4567

Program Manager

Energy and Water

SERDP and ESTCP

Document Types

  • Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
  • Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
  • Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
  • Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
  • Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
  • Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
  • Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
  • Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
  • Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.