Metal Hydride Hydrogen Storage Research Articles

Intermetallic Materials for High-Capacity Hydrogen Storage Systems.

In this article, we provide an overview of hydrogen storage materials, taking our previous results as examples. Towards the end of the paper, we present a case study in order to highlight the effects of substitutional alloying, compositional additives, and nanostructuring on the hydrogen sorption properties of magnesium-based intermetallics. Specifically, partial substitution of Mg by Li and d-elements by p-elements leads to structural changes, inducing disorder and the formation of high-entropy alloys. Our approach showcases the methodology to enhance the H2-capacity and to provide a positive boost to the H2-storage performance, including lower temperatures of H2 desorption, better thermodynamics and kinetics, lower temperatures of hydrogen uptake/ release for Metal-Hydride Hydrogen Storage (MHHS) systems and higher capacity of anodes for Metal-Hydride batteries (MHB) together with lower prices of raw materials.

The Integration of Thermal Energy Storage Within Metal Hydride Systems: A Comprehensive Review

Hydrogen storage technologies are key enablers for the development of low-emission, sustainable energy supply chains, primarily due to the versatility of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier. Hydrogen can be utilized in both stationary and mobile power applications, and as a low-environmental-impact energy source for various industrial sectors, provided it is produced from renewable resources. However, efficient hydrogen storage remains a significant technical challenge. Conventional storage methods, such as compressed and liquefied hydrogen, suffer from energy losses and limited gravimetric and volumetric energy densities, highlighting the need for innovative storage solutions. One promising approach is hydrogen storage in metal hydrides, which offers advantages such as high storage capacities and flexibility in the temperature and pressure conditions required for hydrogen uptake and release, depending on the chosen material. However, these systems necessitate the careful management of the heat generated and absorbed during hydrogen absorption and desorption processes. Thermal energy storage (TES) systems provide a means to enhance the energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness of metal hydride-based storage by effectively coupling thermal management with hydrogen storage processes. This review introduces metal hydride materials for hydrogen storage, focusing on their thermophysical, thermodynamic, and kinetic properties. Additionally, it explores TES materials, including sensible, latent, and thermochemical energy storage options, with emphasis on those that operate at temperatures compatible with widely studied hydride systems. A detailed analysis of notable metal hydride–TES coupled systems from the literature is provided. Finally, the review assesses potential future developments in the field, offering guidance for researchers and engineers in advancing innovative and efficient hydrogen energy systems.

Heat Transfer Optimization of a Metal Hydride Tank Targeted to Improve Hydrogen Storage Performance

ABSTRACTIn this study, the optimization of heat transfer in a metal hydride hydrogen tank to maximize hydrogen storage was investigated. A finite element model of a quarter tank was developed in COMSOL Multiphysics with parameterized geometry. The main objectives were to maximize stored hydrogen mass and minimize tank filling time while maintaining temperature uniformity within the tank. A design of experiments (DOE) approach was used with key geometrical parameters. Compared to the base case, the hydrogen stored mass increased from 0.26 to 0.46 kg, and the tank filling time reduced from over 1100 to 450 s. The optimal design (Design point 15) resulted in an absorbed hydrogen mass of 0.4624 kg, with a charging time of 450 s, showing the most balanced performance in terms of maximizing storage while minimizing filling time and better heat dissipation. This demonstrates the potential of optimizing heat transfer to significantly improve metal hydride hydrogen storage performance. The model can be further improved by exploring different cooling designs and materials.

An efficient uncertainty analysis of performance of hydrogen storage systems

The metal hydride hydrogen storage systems are gaining popularity due to their high volumetric capacity, safety and stability. The designing of these systems is complex due to many reasons, including input uncertainties. The performances of these systems are often evaluated in deterministic framework, ignoring uncertainties. This includes over-conservative safety factors in the design process increasing time and costs involved in designs. The uncertainty analysis could be a better alternative to assess system performance under such scenarios. This study investigates– i) the effect of input uncertainties on uncertainties of multiple and implicit system outputs, i.e., reaction fraction and bed temperature, ii) application of response surface and Borgonovo’s global sensitivity analysis for efficient analysis, and iii) a comparative assessment between different uncertainty methods. The methodology is demonstrated for a space heating system. Initially, a surrogate relationship is constructed between inputs-outputs using moving least square response surface, based on known input-output data estimated using COMSOL for random input realizations. Next, the sensitive inputs were identified using Monte-Carlo simulations based Borgonovo’s analysis. Finally, the effect of uncertainties of sensitive inputs on outputs were estimated using different uncertainty methods. Harr’s and Hong’s (2n) point estimate methods were observed to be highly accurate, mathematically simpler and efficient, as compared to other methods. The uncertainties of outputs were directly dependent on uncertainties of sensitive inputs. The probabilistic safety measure, reliability index, estimated using output statistics was of significant practical utility for industries to avoid deterministic safety factors based over-conservative and costly designs of storage systems.

Performance improvement of magnesium-based hydrogen storage tanks by using carbon nanotubes addition and finned heat exchanger: Numerical simulation and experimental verification

One of the important tasks of improving the properties of metal hydride reactors is the design of system with optimized heat and mass transfer. Many works are devoted to the selection of the optimal heat exchanger for metal hydride hydrogen storage systems. At the same time, it is necessary to consider the composition of the metal hydride bed, which affects thermal conductivity as well. Little attention has been paid to the study of heat transfer properties in hydrogen storage systems with a heat exchanger and a metal hydride bed based on magnesium hydride and carbon nanotubes. In this work we used numerical simulation to determine the effectiveness of carbon nanotubes addition and heat exchangers with different fin number and geometries on high-temperature magnesium-based hydrogen storage tanks performance. It was found, that increasing the number of fins from three to five makes a smaller contribution in the temperature increasing as compared to the addition of three fins to the heater. The three solid, radial and complex fins have a similar effect on the average Mg/MgH2 bed temperature at 60 min. The most optimal fin number and geometry is three radial fins in terms of the efficiency and the volume it occupies. The addition of carbon nanotubes increases the average temperature of the Mg/MgH2 bed by 67 K for a reactor equipped with a heater without fins. Hydrogen storage system with three radial fins and Mg/MgH2 bed enhanced with carbon nanotubes provides an increase in the average bed temperature of about 180 K as compared to system without fins and nanotubes. This leads to a reduction in the hydrogen absorption time to reach 90% saturation by almost 63% for the three radial fins reactor with carbon nanotubes addition to the metal hydride bed. It has been confirmed that the addition of carbon nanotubes to Mg/MgH2 makes a significant contribution to the heat transfer in the metal hydride bed. In addition, it is shown that both an increase in the heat transfer area and the thermal conductivity coefficient leads to a significant improvement in the efficiency of the metal hydride reactor. In the future, the obtained results can be taken into account when designing hydrogen storage systems based on these materials.

Parametric Analysis of a Novel Array-Type Hydrogen Storage Reactor with External Water-Cooled Jacket Heat Exchange

Hydrogen energy is a green and environmentally friendly energy source, as well as an excellent energy carrier. Hydrogen storage technology is a key factor in its commercial development. Solid hydrogen storage methods represented by using metal hydride (MH) materials have good application prospects, but there are still problems of higher heat transfer resistance and slower hydrogen absorption and release rate as the material is applied to reactors. This study innovatively proposed an array-type MH hydrogen storage reactor based on external water-cooled jacket heat exchange, aiming to improve the heat transfer efficiency and absorption reaction performance, and optimize the absorption kinetics encountered in practical applications of LaNi5 hydrogen storage material in reactors. A mathematical model was built to compare the hydrogen absorption processes of the novel array-type and traditional reactors. The results showed that, with the same water-cooled jacket, the hydrogen absorption rate of the array-type reactor can be accelerated by 2.78 times compared to the traditional reactor. Because of the existence of heat transfer enhancement limits, the increase in the number of array elements and the flow rate of heat transfer fluid (HTF) has a limited impact on the absorption rate improvement of the array-type reactor. To break the limits, the hydrogen absorption pressure, as a direct driving force, can be increased. In addition, the increased pressure also increases the heat transfer temperature difference, thereby further improving heat transfer and absorption rate. For instance, at 3 MPa, the hydrogen absorption time can be shortened to 147 s.

From nickel–metal hydride batteries to advanced engines: A comprehensive review of hydrogen's role in the future energy landscape

Hydrogen has emerged as a disruptive force in the energy landscape, poised to revolutionise the automotive sector with its use in both fuel cell and internal combustion engines. This article covered two topics: application of metal hydrides for hydrogen storage and use of cutting-edge engine technology in hydrogen-powered vehicles. This article begins with discussing the different characteristics of materials that are used to store hydrogen. Metal hydrides, rare earth elements, and carbon-based compounds are among the materials that are carefully studied in this work. Understanding how effectively these materials can store hydrogen was another goal of this research. In order to fully utilize hydrogen's potential, it is imperative to compare them with conventional fossil fuels highlighting their significance. Additionally, this study explains how hydrogen can be used to power existing and newer automobile vehicles. Also discussed are the viability and potential mechanisms of operation for various hydrogen-using engine technologies, such as compression ignition and spark ignition engines. Cutting-edge on vehicles with fuel cell and engine technology powered by hydrogen along with their challenges are explained. They include discussions of several techniques such as homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI), dual-fuel, and reactivity-controlled combustion ignition (RCCI). Additionally, the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing hydrogen in these state-of-the-art engine technologies are discussed. This research offers insights on the future of automobiles in addition to hydrogen storage. This study points the path towards a more creative and sustainable energy environment in which hydrogen plays a major role in the storage and utilization for automobile vehicles.

Optimization of cold startup strategy with quasi 2-D model of metal hydride hydrogen storage with fuel cell

In this work, a novel cold startup strategy is presented for a large-scale metal hydride–fuel cell system. Due to the thermal requirement of the system, when the initial temperature of metal hydride and ambient air is low, the system cannot be started because the hydrogen pressure in the metal hydrides storage system is lower than the minimal pressure required by the fuel cell. The cold startup is achieved by maintaining a part of metal hydride storage at a target temperature and using coolant control to transfer heat to the remaining cold metal hydride storage upon operation of the fuel cells. The strategy is studied numerically and a novel Quasi-2-Dimensional approach is developed to describe heat transfer within metal hydrides and validated. By the proper selection of the value of the control variable, both fast startup and immediate uninterrupted fuel cell power supply are achieved. The effect of initial conditions on the startup process is studied and the strategy consumed 30 % less energy than the alternative without control. The proposed strategy is suitable and efficient for the cold startup of large-scale metal hydride-fuel cell systems.

Exploring hydrogen storage safety research by bibliometric analysis

The application of hydrogen energy is affected by the safety of hydrogen storage system. To grasp the current status of research and application in the research field of hydrogen storage safety and explore its research development trend, data analysis techniques, such as co-occurrence, co-citation, and burst detection, were adopted to conduct bibliometric analysis of the relevant literature. The study results show that the research hotspots of hydrogen storage safety mainly concentrate on six aspects: the stability of metal hydride hydrogen storage materials, the study of thermal management and stress relief in metal hydride reactors, the safety analysis of hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen leakage monitoring, the analysis of leakage and explosion risks in hydrogen refueling stations, the study of filling pressure and temperature distribution in hydrogen storage tanks, and the study of safety issues in underground hydrogen storage. Mg-based hydride stability and underground hydrogen storage risk analyses are current research frontiers in hydrogen storage safety.

Synergetic enhancement of hydrogen concentration and heat transfer for triply periodic minimal surface based hydrogen storage reactor

Metal hydride hydrogen storage technology is considered a potential alternative energy and energy storage solution in promoting global economic decarbonization. However, the heat transfer coefficient between hydrogen storage materials and reactors is relatively low, which cannot meet the heat transfer and hydrogen storage requirements of the metal hydride tank. This study employs a triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) based hydrogen storage reactor and design of experiments (DOE) to reveal the relationship between various parameters and their characteristics. The multi-physics coupling of fluid flow, heat transfer, chemical reactions, and stress in a metal hydride hydrogen storage reactor is also combined to promote the synergistic improvement of heat transfer and hydrogen storage efficiency. Numerical simulation results demonstrate that the hydrogen absorption volume fraction of tank equipped with TPMS is 0.926, which is significantly higher than that of conventional finned one. The absorption of hydrogen leads to volume expansion, resulting in a 30.61 % increase in expansion stress. Furthermore, the optimal hydrogen absorption volume fraction occurs at a temperature of 273.15 K, a pressure of 3.49 MPa, and a velocity of 5 m/s.

Performance optimization study on the thermal management system of proton exchange membrane fuel cell based on metal hydride hydrogen storage

To compare the performance differences between proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), metal hydride tank (MHT) and heat exchanger (HX) coupling configurations and optimize thermal management methods, this study investigates and compares three coupling systems, PEMFC-MHT-HX series, PEMFC-HX-MHT series, and PEMFC-MHT|HX parallel system. Results reveal that, under controlled load variables, all three systems achieve an energy efficiency of 48.1 % at the maximum net power of 41.99 kW, increased by 16.93 % compared to standalone PEMFC. Exergy efficiencies of the systems show little differences, with values of 43.65 %, 43.38 %, and 43.51 %, respectively. The PEMFC-MHT-HX system exhibits the highest hydrogen outlet pressure, which is suitable for high-pressure applications. Conversely, the PEMFC-MHT|HX system enables flexible hydrogen supply regulation through decoupled control of hydrogen outlet pressure and flow. Increasing the MHT heat transfer coefficient can enhance the outlet pressure, but this effect diminishes beyond 1500 W/(m2·K). Sensitivity analysis identifies current and stack temperature as pivotal factors, emphasizing the necessity of precise current regulation and effective thermal management strategies. Additionally, the proportion of PEMFC waste heat recovered by the MHT decreases from 36.8 % to 29.0 % as the current load rises from 100 A to 400 A, indicating potential for alternative waste heat recovery devices over HX.

Energy management strategy for accurate thermal scheduling of the combined hydrogen, heating, and power system based on PV power supply

To solve the negative impact of renewable energy volatility on the power system, a combined hydrogen, heating and power system integrating alkaline water electrolysis, metal hydride hydrogen storage, and proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is proposed. However, water electrolysis, hydrogen adsorption and PEMFC all generate heat, and how to use this heat is the key to improving the system efficiency. Therefore, four energy scheduling schemes are proposed in this study, aiming at making full use of waste heat to improve its energy utilization efficiency. The results show that the system heat is almost entirely utilized under the proposed four strategies. Meanwhile, the peak-valley strategy is more suitable for on-grid operation, and heat priority, peak clipping and load reduction strategy are more suitable for off-grid operation. Under the heat priority strategy, residual electricity and heat are the lowest. Under the peak clipping strategy, the current density of the PEMFC fluctuates the least and is maintained at 0.59 A cm−2 during the heat-led period. Under the load reduction strategy, during the heat-led period (5:00 p.m. ∼ 6:00 a.m.), the system electric power is lower than the power load for the shortest time, accounting for 23.93% of this operating duration.

MXenes and MXene-Based Metal Hydrides for Solid-State Hydrogen Storage: A Review.

Hydrogen-driven energy is fascinating among the everlasting energy sources, particularly for stationary and onboard transportation applications. Efficient hydrogen storage presents a key challenge to accomplishing the sustainability goals of hydrogen economy. In this regard, solid-state hydrogen storage in nanomaterials, either physically or chemically adsorbed, has been considered a safe path to establishing sustainability goals. Though metal hydrides have been extensively explored, they fail to comply with the set targets for practical utilization. Recently, MXenes, both in bare form and hybrid state with metal hydrides, have proven their flair in ascertaining the hydrides' theoretical and experimental hydrogen storage capabilities far beyond the fancy materials and current state-of-the-art technologies. This review encompasses the significant accomplishments achieved by MXenes (primarily in 2019-2024) for enhancing the hydrogen storage performance of various metal hydride materials such as MgH2, AlH3, Mg(BH4)2, LiBH4, alanates, and composite hydrides. It also discusses the bottlenecks of metal hydrides for hydrogen storage, the potential use of MXenes hybrids, and their challenges, such as reversibility, H2 losses, slow kinetics, and thermodynamic barriers. Finally, it concludes with a detailed roadmap and recommendations for mechanistic-driven future studies propelling toward a breakthrough in solid material-driven hydrogen storage using cost-effective, efficient, and long-lasting solutions.

Modeling heat and mass transfer in metal hydride hydrogen storage systems: Impact of operating parameters and reactor geometry

This work introduces a transient 2D axis-symmetrical model for hydrogen absorption in a cylindrical LaNi5 reactor employing finite volume method with a fully implicit Euler's time integration scheme, coupling equations for heat, mass, and momentum transport. The validated model is used to investigate the impacts of pressure, cooling fluid temperature, and variations in reactor geometry and size on temperature and reacted fraction profiles. The findings reveal that the charging pressure affects both peak temperature and reaction kinetics, whereas cooling fluid temperature predominantly impacts the absorption kinetics. A comparative analysis of two models, one incorporating Darcy's velocity and one without, demonstrates that while Darcy's law introduces numerical instability in the coupled equations, its impact on the model outcomes is negligible. The effect of changing the non-homogeneous Neumann to Dirichlet boundary condition is also demonstrated to anticipate the utilization of phase change materials (PCM) instead of the cooling fluid.

Experimental and numerical investigations on synergistic coupling of metal hydride hydrogen storage systems with low-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel-cell

Hydrogen has emerged as a promising alternative for various energy needs, and metal hydride hydrogen systems offer significant potential due to their near-ambient working conditions and safe storage. This study presents experimental and numerical investigations on a lab-scale metal hydride fuel cell system to showcase its viability in addressing future energy demands. The experimental setup includes a 41-tube Metal Hydride (MH) reactor with an outer cooling jacket, containing 3.75 kg of La0.7Ce0.1Ca0.3Ni5. The output of the reactor is coupled to a 1 kW fuel cell, with controlled hydrogen discharge at temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °C through numerical modelling. The study found that maintaining the reactor at 40 °C was sufficient to sustain the required bed pressure for a 1 kW fuel cell. Numerical simulations revealed that a 1 kW fuel cell operating at a current density of 0.8 A/cm2 and 50 °C rejected approximately 1.3 kW of waste heat. Moreover, 3.75 kg MH reactor could discharge hydrogen at a constant rate of 13 l/min for 36.3 min with just 125–225 W of heat input, highlighting the thermal coupling potential between these systems. The energy efficiency of the coupled MH-PEMFC system increased by 1.8 times to reach 49% at 50 °C. Additionally, the waste heat generated proved sufficient to provide the required endothermic heat to multiple MH reactors, with a single reactor utilizing only 16.3% of the total waste heat. This integrated system demonstrates promising efficiency and sustainability for future energy applications.

CFD simulation of heat and mass transfer processes in a metal hydride hydrogen storage system, taking into account changes in the bed structure

CFD modelling of heat-and-mass transfer in metal hydride (MH) beds is an important step in the development and optimisation of MH reactors for hydrogen storage, compression and separation/purification. In the existing models, the mass conservation equation includes the density of solid in the non-hydrogenated (ρs) and hydrogen-saturated (ρss) states. To provide constant porosity of the MH bed during H2 absorption/desorption, assumption ρs<ρss is typically taken. However, this assumption contradicts to well-known fact that hydrogenation of hydride-forming alloys is accompanied by the expansion of crystal lattice of the metallic matrix and, therefore, by the decrease of the solid density by 15–25%.This work presents results of the modelling which takes this effect into account. The model assumes that the density of the MH changes linearly as the starting hydride-forming alloy is saturated with hydrogen, while the volume of the MH bed remains constant. The last assumption is a limiting estimation because it provides the maximum possible reduction in the porosity during H2 absorption process.The model was validated using published experimental data on a cylindrical MH reactor filled with 422 g of LaNi5. It was shown that accounting the realistic changes in the MH density can significantly affect the simulation results.

A novel flat coil tube heat exchanger for metal hydride hydrogen storage reactors

Metal hydride (MH) based hydrogen storage is one of the potential methods for achieving higher volumetric storage densities. However, its poor thermal conductivity limits heat transfer during exothermic hydriding and endothermic dehydriding processes. Hence, heat transfer augmentation is essential in MH reactors to speed up the charging and discharging of hydrogen. The present study proposes a novel flat coil tube heat exchanger with a spiral fin for heat transfer augmentation. It offered superior performance than conventional single and double helical tube heat exchangers, taking 35.3 and 16.7% less time for 90% storage time. Further, optimization of design parameters (pitch and fin thickness) is carried out considering several key parameters such as weight ratio (WR), gravimetric exergy output rate (GEOR), and energy efficiency (EE). A pitch of 30 mm with a fin thickness of 0.25 mm is optimum according to a novel performance index. The influence of the operating parameters (H2 supply pressure and heat transfer fluid inlet temperature) on the absorption performance is investigated for the optimized design. Finally, a single desorption case is presented at 1 bar and 333 K to gain insights about desorption behavior.

Experimental study on charging and discharging characteristics of copper finned metal hydride reactor for stationary hydrogen storage applications

With the shift in power generation methods from conventional to renewable, the need for energy storage has increased, and hydrogen as a carrier has great potential. The storage of hydrogen is one of the main obstacles to the effective deployment of the hydrogen economy. Since metal hydride offers a higher energy density than conventional methods, it can potentially be used to store and deliver hydrogen. Also, the metal hydride hydrogen storage system is the primary element of the energy storage system that connects hydrogen production and consumption. Therefore, the present study is focused on the development and testing of a metal hydride reactor. In the present experimental study, 9 kg of La0.7Ce0.1Ca0.3Ni5 is loaded in a single tube copper finned reactor attached to an external jacket, and the charging and discharging characteristics related to hydrogen storage are analysed along with variations in its thermal performance under various operating conditions. Also, the effect of HTF temperature on the hydrogen release performance of the copper finned reactor is studied under constant discharge pressure and constant discharge flow rate. Further, a comparison has been made between the copper and aluminium finned reactors. This fabricated copper finned reactor attained volumetric and gravimetric storage densities of 21.78 kg per m3 of H2 and 0.77%, respectively. The results indicated that La0.7Ce0.1Ca0.3Ni5 filled within the copper finned reactor stores 1.45 wt.% (130.7 g) of hydrogen in 680 s, corresponding to 25 bar feed gas pressure. At the HTF temperature of 60 °C, the copper-finned reactor discharged 1.42 wt.% (127.3 g) of hydrogen in 1450 s, showing the release of 98% of the stored mass of hydrogen. Further, the developed copper finned MH reactor could supply hydrogen at a constant rate of 13 lpm with a capability of 90% discharge even at a discharge temperature of 30 °C. Beside this, the comparative results showed that adding copper fins showed a considerable improvement over aluminium fins during discharging compared to the charging process. The copper-finned reactor consumed 20.9% and 23.6% less time to release 1 wt.% of hydrogen than the aluminium-finned reactor at discharge temperatures of 40 °C and 50 °C, respectively.

Research on hydrogen fuel cell backup power for metal hydride hydrogen storage system

Abstract Hydrogen fuel cells are characterized by non-pollution, high efficiency and long power supply time, and they are increasingly used as backup power systems in substations, communication base stations and other fields. In this paper, based on the thermodynamic model of the hydride hydrogen storage system, the relationship between pressure, composition, and temperature in metal hydride hydrogen storage is quantitatively analyzed using a PCT curve. The hydrogen fuel power supply is used as the overall backup power supply of the DC system, and the hydrogen-fuel integrated backup power supply is established to realize the uninterrupted switching between the utility power and the backup power supply. Finally, the working process of the backup power supply and the reaction process of hydrogen are analyzed to test the feasibility of a hydrogen fuel cell backup power supply. The results show that the operating current climbs to the end of 80 A under the 5 kW workload demand of the communication equipment. In addition, the hydrogen absorption reaction rate was 0.29 Mpa, and the hydrogen release reaction rate was 0.21 Mpa at a temperature of 291 K. This study has developed a fuel cell backup power system that can provide uninterruptible backup power and has a wide market capacity and application prospects.

Machine learning modelling and optimization for metal hydride hydrogen storage systems

Use of machine learning models for solid state hydrogen storage reactor development.