Potential Feature of Combined AB5-Type Metal Hydride Tank and PEMFC as a Safer System for Hydrogen Fueling in Bangladesh

Md Abdus Salam,Shehan Habib,Md Sahab Uddin,Bawadi Abdullah,Kawsar Ahmed,Thauhidul Islam

doi:10.3389/fenrg.2021.766270

Abstract

Metal hydrides are very much reported as a potential safe option for high-density hydrogen storage materials. A combined system of proton-exchange membrane hydrogen fuel cell (PEMFC) and metal hydride (MH) tanks is designed to investigate their characteristics and performances as hydrogen storage and stable power supply system. An AB5-type (LaCe)Ni5 material containing three MH tanks is selected for investigation. Endothermic dehydrogenation of metal hydride controls the hydrogen evolution rates during a discharging period, which reduces the risk of accidents. The MH tank charged at a 20°C water bath sustains and supplies hydrogen for a longer time of 240 min. The performances of the MH tank at a water bath of 20°C and 10-bar conditions correspond to the optimum condition of hydrogen storage at the MH tank of Pragma Industries. The performances of the combined system were investigated in different working conditions. The system sustains and supplies hydrogen to PEMFC for 240, 160, 130, and 110 min for the working loads of 250, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 W, accordingly. It is concluded that hydrogen consumption frequency increases for higher load demand.

Highlights

Bangladesh, like many other countries, is currently focusing on hydrogen energy as an option
This paper presents the standard application features and performances of an integrated proton-exchange membrane hydrogen fuel cell (PEMFC) and AB5-type metal hydride (MH) hydrogen storage and supply tank
The temperature of the MH tank started to decrease at the 10th minute and further demonstrated a decrement to 20°C after another 5 min

Summary

Introduction

Bangladesh, like many other countries, is currently focusing on hydrogen energy as an option. Most energy demand is met by natural gas in Bangladesh (about 70%). Other important sources of energy supply are oil, coal, biomass, and so on. The use of renewable energy, instead of gas, coal, and oil, was initiated around the world and is critical for sustainable development and environmental protection by avoiding carbon emissions, to decrease the dependence on fossil fuels (Energypedia, 2017). Bangladesh produces a large amount of biomass due to its massive agricultural operations and high population density; hydrogen fuel is a very attractive choice for speeding up the paradigm shift to green energy. Biomass combines the attributes of gasoline with those of a renewable energy source. Biomass is the primary source of energy for cooking and heating in Bangladesh, in rural regions. All of the biomass produced is not being used to its full potential, and solving this

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Conclusion