ULTRAMET — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: Dry cooling systems are currently the only option for industrial and utility power plants

Description

Dry cooling systems are currently the only option for industrial and utility power plants that are unable to obtain permits for cooling water. Dry cooling systems are higher cost and less efficient than wet systems. Ultramet will design, fabricate, and test heat exchangers based on high thermal conductivity, high- permeability open-cell foam. The high surface area of the foam, combined with its high thermal conductivity and low pressure drop, enables it to achieve high efficiency. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Large-scale commercial applications include industrial and utility power plants. Smaller applications include heat exchangers used by the military in desert environments (e.g. air conditioners, environmental control units, heat exchangers for radars).