Electromagnetic–thermal–mass transport triple hybrid model for energy-efficient hydrogen release from metal particles by induction heating

Abstract

Hydrogen storage in metals is anticipated to be a highly promising technical approach for managing hydrogen in diverse energy applications, emphasizing the need to establish efficient operating conditions. In this study, we developed a numerical model that can simultaneously calculate hydrogen and heat transport combined with electromagnetic induction heating of metal particles. Using the developed numerical simulator, we investigated the behavior of the hydrogen release process from the hydrogen-absorbing metal and proposed important indicators for the operation. The fractions of the electromagnetic energy absorbed by the metal particle used for the hydrogen release, sensible heat, interfacial heat conduction, and thermal radiation were systematically evaluated. Considering the trade-off between temperature rise and the hydrogen concentration gradient, an optimal diameter of metal particles existed for the maximum hydrogen release rate. Similarly, the trade-off between temperature rise and energy consumption revealed an optimal electromagnetic power density for the heat utilization fraction for hydrogen release. Our electromagnetic–thermal–mass transport triple hybrid model constitutes a useful numerical simulator for the design of energy-efficient hydrogen storage systems.