Products
Heat Exhangers
CO2 Scrubber
Duocel® aluminum foam is used as the heat exchange media and granulated chemical support matrix for the atmospheric carbon dioxide control system on the space shuttle. Amine powder granules can selectively absorb and desorb carbon dioxide at specific temperatures, but generate or require heat for the reaction. The high thermal conductivity foam matrix increases the response rate and efficiency of the system. The foam also electrically grounds the powder and disrupts its packing structure to improve gas flow and increase its lifetime.
Heat Pump
Aluminum foam is loaded with chemical powders in order to improve thermal management. Ammonia is selectively absorbed and released into and out of the powder. The foam thermally couples the powder to water tubes. The net result is a heat pump for a solar powered, non-polluting air conditioner.
Hydrogen Fuel Bus
Aluminum foam was used as the metal hydride powder support matrix in the hydrogen storage system for the H2Fuel Bus project. The project was sponsored by a coalition of academic, government, and private industry partners with the objective of building a prototype hydrogen-fueled electric-powered transit bus with near-zero emissions. The foam's interconnected porosity and excellent thermal conductivity was the critical link in the hydride tank storage system.
Messiah College
Messiah College's entry into the Sun Race Solar Powered Vehicle Competition in 1995 utilized aluminum foam as a core structure and heat transfer agent in the solar collectors.
