This software allows sizing of submersibles powered by hydraulic generators that are pressurized by ocean thermal gradients at various depths. The software allows the operator to input the fixed size of the vessels containing the phase change material (PCM). The effective expansion of the PCM is also input, along with the phase change heat required and other various solid and liquid parameters. The electromechanical efficiency is also input, and the total power produced is calculated, along with system mass and volumes, and approximate time constant.

The software shows how much oil is pressurized by liquid-solid phase change of materials. This, in turn, generates power when the high-pressure oil is sent through a hydraulic generator of known efficiency.

This work was done by Jack A. Jones of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Dan Broderick at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Refer to NPO-49794.



This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
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Submersible Phase Change Float Sizing

(reference NPO49794) is currently available for download from the TSP library.

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