Heat pump demonstrator with graphene coated ceramic fiber matrix for enhanced power density

Important results from the project

The project should develop cost effective graphene suspension to integrate graphene in the matrix holding an energy carrier in the heatpump technology. This to increase the power- and energy density. Therafter salt was to be dispersed in the matrix and a demonstrator to be built for verification and validation. During the project the formerly used ceramic matrix was exchanged in on-going customer projects. It was replaced by AlOx fiber matrix. Furthermore a completely new liquid based matrix was developed. Increased power- and energy density was targeted for the new matrix standards.

Expected long term effects

Cost effective graphene suspension was developed. AlOx matrix and liquid matrix för further integration tests were chosen. Filter paper/neoceram was used for coating optimization. Increased conductivity was achieved for the AlOx matrix. Increased conductivity was achieved for the liquid matrix. The temp difference through the heat exchanger decreased with 50% and improved charging power of 67% was achieved. The liquid matrix was verified in a smaller demonstrator and will be validated in a customer project during Q2 2017.

Approach and implementation

Graphene suspension manufactured were graphite was mixed with liquid. Graphite is shear mixed in thin layers. Cost effective graphene suspension developed. Analyse: Further optimization of size distribution by filtering. Coating of AlOx gave increased conductivity. Analyze: Salt integration and optimization of annealing needed. Graphene integration in liquid matrix gave increased conductivity. Up-scaling with regards to homogenity/salt integration successful. Demonstrator built for customer project. Analyze: Optimization of manufacturing and customer validation.