Thermal Performance of a Phase Change Material Thermal Control System: Theoretical and Experimental Analysis

Phase Change Materials(PCMs) are a promising solution for Passive Thermal Control of Spacecraft components. PCMs are basically materials able to absorb and release a large amount of energy during the phase transition, due to their high latent heat, at a specific temperature range. However, as PCMs have poor thermal conductivity, heat transfer enhancement techniques are needed to avoid high temperature gradient that can result in a large temperature rise of the components. In this thesis the introduction of a metal foam in a PCM to increase its heat transfer capability is studied. Firstly, a theoretical model for a metal foam/PCM composite is presented; after an experimental analysis is showed with a Paraffin wax inside Al foams of different porosity and pore size