Abstract: A compact heat battery (CHB) may comprise a casing, a tube containment sheath, a bundle of hermetically sealed phase change material (PCM) encapsulation tubes, and encapsulation tube inserts. An insulation envelope and insulation shield may be positioned radially outward from the casing. As an alternative the casing, insulation, and insulation shield can be integrated into a double-walled vacuum cylinder. The cylindrical containment sheath can open and close along a split-seam in response to radial expansion of the tubes. The natural packing of the encapsulation tubes within the containment sheath can distribute a heat transfer fluid through the interstitial spaces between the encapsulation tubes. Floating baffle plates provide for axial containment and expansion of the encapsulation tube bundle. The CHB of the present invention can allow for increased tube density, providing increased heat absorption and decreased CHB dimensions.

Abstract: A compact heat battery (CHB) may comprise a casing, a tube containment sheath, a bundle of hermetically sealed phase change material (PCM) encapsulation tubes, and encapsulation tube inserts. An insulation envelope and insulation shield may be positioned radially outward from the casing. As an alternative the casing, insulation, and insulation shield can be integrated into a double-walled vacuum cylinder. The cylindrical containment sheath can open and close along a split-seam in response to radial expansion of the tubes. The natural packing of the encapsulation tubes within the containment sheath can distribute a heat transfer fluid through the interstitial spaces between the encapsulation tubes. Floating baffle plates provide for axial containment and expansion of the encapsulation tube bundle. The CHB of the present invention can allow for increased tube density, providing increased heat absorption and decreased CHB dimensions.

Abstract: A compact integrated solid oxide fuel cell power system includes a fuel cell stack, two stages of heat exchange, and a thermal enclosure. The system includes a recuperator which exchanges heat between exhaust gas, heated by oxidizing unspent gases from the fuel cell stack in a combustion chamber, and incoming oxidant to pre-heat the oxidant. The solid oxide fuel cell stack has an internal manifold which exchanges heat between incoming fuel and the preheated oxidant. System components are enclosed by thermal insulation. The system may also include a catalytic partial oxidation reformer to pre-heat the fuel during start up. The system can also include an air compressor, fuel storage tank, and pressure relief valve, providing a portable power system. The air compressor can be used to pressurize the incoming oxidant to the SOFC stack, and to pressurize the fuel storage tank using the pressure relief valve as a pressure regulator.