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 Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Submersible Phase Change Float Sizing
(reference NPO49794) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package for Submersible Phase Change Float Sizing, referenced as NPO-49794, published by NASA Tech Briefs. It is part of the Commercial Technology Program of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), aimed at disseminating results from aerospace-related developments that have potential technological, scientific, or commercial applications.
The document emphasizes the importance of the research conducted at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), California Institute of Technology, under a contract with NASA. It acknowledges government sponsorship and highlights the collaborative nature of the research efforts. The primary focus of the document is on the technical aspects of submersible phase change floats, which are devices that utilize phase change materials to achieve buoyancy control in underwater environments.
The Technical Support Package provides essential documentation and insights into the design, sizing, and operational parameters of these floats, which are critical for various applications, including oceanographic research, underwater exploration, and potentially in commercial sectors. The use of phase change materials allows for efficient energy management and buoyancy adjustments, making these floats versatile tools in marine technology.
Additionally, the document includes contact information for further inquiries, specifically directing interested parties to the Innovative Technology Assets Management at JPL. This section encourages collaboration and technology transfer, indicating that NASA is open to partnerships that can leverage the research findings for broader applications.
It is important to note that the document includes a disclaimer stating that neither the United States Government nor any representatives assume liability for the use of the information contained within. The mention of trade names or manufacturers is solely for identification purposes and does not imply any official endorsement by NASA.
In summary, this Technical Support Package serves as a resource for understanding the advancements in submersible phase change float technology, promoting its potential applications while fostering collaboration and innovation in the field of marine technology.
