Abstract: A thermal battery system may be provided comprising: a vessel comprising a phase change material and a gas; a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat to and/or from the phase change material; a temperature sensor configured to detect an indication of a temperature of the gas; a pressure sensor configured to detect an indication of a pressure of the gas; and a processor configured to determine a state of charge of the thermal battery system from the indication of the pressure and the indication of the temperature of the gas.

Abstract: A thermal battery system may be provided comprising: a vessel comprising a phase change material and a gas; a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat to and/or from the phase change material; a temperature sensor configured to detect an indication of a temperature of the gas; a pressure sensor configured to detect an indication of a pressure of the gas; and a processor configured to determine a state of charge of the thermal battery system from the indication of the pressure and the indication of the temperature of the gas.

Abstract: A heat transfer system for high transient heat loads includes a fluid, a heat exchanger; a compressor downstream of the heat exchanger outlet; a condenser downstream of the compressor outlet, and a thermal energy storage (TES) section downstream of the condenser outlet and upstream of the heat exchanger. The TES section may include a first pressure regulating valve downstream of a TES unit; and a second pressure regulating valve upstream of the first pressure regulating valve.

Abstract: A heat transfer system for high transient heat loads includes a fluid, a heat exchanger; a compressor downstream of the heat exchanger outlet; a condenser downstream of the compressor outlet, and a thermal energy storage (TES) section downstream of the condenser outlet and upstream of the heat exchanger. The TES section may include a first pressure regulating valve downstream of a TES unit; and a second pressure regulating valve upstream of the first pressure regulating valve.

Abstract: A thermal system may comprise a reservoir, a first fluid flowpath, and a second fluid flowpath. The first fluid flowpath may start at the reservoir and return to the reservoir. The first fluid flowpath may comprise, in a direction of the fluid flow, a first side of a sub-cooler, a liquid pump, a first side of a pre-heater, and a first side of an evaporator. The second fluid flowpath may start at the reservoir and return to the reservoir. The second fluid flowpath may comprise, in a direction of a fluid flow, a pressure regulator, a vapor compressor, a first side of a condenser, and an expansion value.

Abstract: A heat transfer system for high transient heat loads includes a fluid, a heat exchanger; a compressor downstream of the heat exchanger outlet; a condenser downstream of the compressor outlet, and a thermal energy storage (TES) section downstream of the condenser outlet and upstream of the heat exchanger. The TES section may include a first pressure regulating valve downstream of a TES unit; and a second pressure regulating valve upstream of the first pressure regulating valve.

Abstract: A heat transfer system for high transient heat loads includes a fluid, a heat exchanger; a compressor downstream of the heat exchanger outlet; a condenser downstream of the compressor outlet, and a thermal energy storage (TES) section downstream of the condenser outlet and upstream of the heat exchanger. The TES section may include a first pressure regulating valve downstream of a TES unit; and a second pressure regulating valve upstream of the first pressure regulating valve.

Abstract: A thermal system may comprise a reservoir, a first fluid flowpath, and a second fluid flowpath. The first fluid flowpath may start at the reservoir and return to the reservoir. The first fluid flowpath may comprise, in a direction of the fluid flow, a first side of a sub-cooler, a liquid pump, a first side of a pre-heater, and a first side of an evaporator. The second fluid flowpath may start at the reservoir and return to the reservoir. The second fluid flowpath may comprise, in a direction of a fluid flow, a pressure regulator, a vapor compressor, a first side of a condenser, and an expansion value.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprising a plurality of plates that are demountably attached to a frame is disclosed. Each plate comprises a plurality of channels for conveying a primary fluid through the heat exchanger. The frames are arranged in the frame so that spaces between adjacent frame pairs define conduits for conveying a secondary fluid through the heat exchanger. The plates are mounted in the frame so that they can be individually removed from the frame. Further, each of the channels is fluidically connected to input and output ports for the primary fluid by detachable couplings. As a result, heat exchangers in accordance with the present invention are more easily repaired or refurbished than prior-art heat exchangers.

Abstract: A technique for joining porous foam material, such as graphite, metal or ceramic foam, to a substrate is described. The substrate can be metal, a thermoset plastic or a composite material. The substrate has a melting point below that of the foam material. The two are joined together by using the foam to apply heat locally at the surface of the substrate. Some or all of the foam is heated to the appropriate temperature at or above the melting point of the substrate material. The foam and the substrate are then brought together, with the heat from the foam melting or softening the substrate material so that the substrate material infuses into the pores of the foam. As the foam cools below the melting point temperature, the substrate material solidifies to create a mechanical bond between the foam and the substrate.

Abstract: A technique for joining porous foam material, such as graphite, metal or ceramic foam, to a substrate is described. The substrate can be metal, a thermoset plastic or a composite material. The substrate has a melting point below that of the foam material. The two are joined together by using the foam to apply heat locally at the surface of the substrate. Some or all of the foam is heated to the appropriate temperature at or above the melting point of the substrate material. The foam and the substrate are then brought together, with the heat from the foam melting or softening the substrate material so that the substrate material infuses into the pores of the foam. As the foam cools below the melting point temperature, the substrate material solidifies to create a mechanical bond between the foam and the substrate.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprising a plurality of plates that are demountably attached to a frame is disclosed. Each plate comprises a plurality of channels for conveying a primary fluid through the heat exchanger. The frames are arranged in the frame so that spaces between adjacent frame pairs define conduits for conveying a secondary fluid through the heat exchanger. The plates are mounted in the frame so that they can be individually removed from the frame. Further, each of the channels is fluidically connected to input and output ports for the primary fluid by detachable couplings. As a result, heat exchangers in accordance with the present invention are more easily repaired or refurbished than prior-art heat exchangers.