High-Level Project Summary
This paper describes a Venus Lander thermal architecture including the technology development of a phase change material system for absorbing the heat generated within the Lander itself and an insulation system for resisting the heat penetrating the Lander from the Venus environment. The phase change energy storage system uses lithium nitrate that can absorb twice the amount of energy per unit mass in comparison to paraffin based systems. The insulation system uses a porous silica material capable of handling a high temperature and high pressure gas environment while maintaining low thermal conductivity.
Link to Final Project
Link to Project "Demo"
Detailed Project Description
Venus Lander thermal architecture including the technology development of a phase change material system for absorbing the heat generated within the Lander itself and an insulation system for resisting the heat penetrating the Lander from the Venus environment.
The phase change energy storage system uses lithium nitrate that can absorb twice the amount of energy per unit mass in comparison to paraffin based systems.
Lithium nitrate trihydrate is of interest as a thermal energy storage material, due to its large specific and volumetric enthalpy of fusion and its low melting temperature.
The insulation system uses a porous silica material capable of handling a high temperature and high pressure gas environment while maintaining low thermal conductivity.
Silica aerogel is a typical nano-porous material with the advantages of a significant specific surface area, high porosity, low density, and ultra-low thermal conductivity. Aerogel’s ultra-low thermal conductivity, which mainly causes its excellent thermal insulation performance, is attributed to the complex nano/micro-structure. The nanoparticles gather together randomly and form catenulate backbones, connecting and producing a three-dimensional network skeleton. Such a skeleton creates large numbers of nanopores, which reduces the mean free path of the gas molecules, thus weakening the heat transfer between the gas molecules.
photovoltaic power systems and the conventional batteries could not meet the requirement for Venus surface application. TalosTech LLC and University of Delaware propose to develop a high temperature all solid-state LiAl-CO2 battery with superior specific energy by using a high performance cathode, an innovative tri-layer solid state electrolyte framework, LiAl metal anode, and ambient carbon dioxide at Venus surface as a reactant. During Phase I, the team will demonstrate the feasibility of the high temperature all-solid-state LiAl-CO2 battery with superior specific energy (948 Wh/kg). The successful development of this technology will provide a high energy battery operating 100-600oC, which can be operated on the Venus surface for more than 60 days.
With our proposal we aim to further dive into space exploration and develop a way to increase the duration of expedition on venus.
Any data discovered and returned from this planet – as well as from other planets – may well help us understand our own atmosphere as well as working of everything space.
Space Agency Data
>>Venus presents the most significant challenge to energy storage systems due to a combination of high temperature (452°C) and presence of corrosive gases (CO2, CO, SO2, and N2).
>>This proposed LiAl-CO2 battery system can efficiently convert CO2 into solid carbon or CO with generating electricity efficiently. The LiAl-CO2 primary battery can be redesigned to Na/K-CO2 battery which could provide 1) a cost-effective and eco-friendly CO2 fixation strategy 2) high efficiency renewable energy storage method.
>>Venus is a hot, hellish, unforgiving world. Its toxic atmosphere and sweltering surface make it a challenging place to study.
Hackathon Journey
The space apps journey was an enlightening and positive experience for all of us. We as a team learned to receive critism in a positive light, work through our differences in opinion and develop interpersonal skills.
The space apps challenge incorporated learning along with enjoyment and fun, and through this platform we were given the opportunity to broaden our knowledge, and further indulge in essential communication and social skills, such as active listening and essential speaking.
We chose this challenge because we know very little about life on venus as of yet, hence we were dedicated to finding a way to make expeditions on venus longer and more efficient with a promising result.
We started from where the problems lied and why those problems exsisted. From there, we moved our way up the ladder by incorporating research and creativity to come up with a possible solution to those problems.
During this process we faced our fair share of setbacks and challenges. Instead of panicking however, we kept a cool head and calmly figured out a way to get through it while maintaining boundaries of mutual respect.
We'd like to thank our mentors who guided us throughout the project and also the Salim Habib University staff and volunteers for making this experience memorable.
References
https://www.sbir.gov/sbirsearch/detail/2117051
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://aip.scitation.org/doi/abs/10.1063/1.3326290&ved=2ahUKEwiioan8qsH6AhVAg_0HHePjDmwQFnoECAkQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3Xt_uvwznWCB7ft07Pv_TK
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/je3000469&ved=2ahUKEwi_6uTmqsH6AhWKgP0HHb6lCUYQFnoECBAQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1kfNQQo3hfIQhOnsI8Lviz
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/8/5/320/pdf&ved=2ahUKEwi11M_GqsH6AhUGhv0HHQrOD80QFnoECAgQAQ&usg=AOvVaw30vT7xC1bMYBGjVxBfpWnr