An innovative multi-zone configuration to enhance the charging process of magnesium based metal hydride hydrogen storage tank. (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Eisapour, Amir Hossein; Eisapour, Mehdi; Talebizadehsardari, Pouyan; Walker, Gavin S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of energy storage. Volume 36(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: Hydrogen storage -- Novel heat exchanger -- Absorption time -- Magnesium based metal hydride reactor -- Sensitivity analysis; Energy storage -- Periodicals; Energy storage -- Research -- Periodicals; 621.3126
• DOI: 10.1016/j.est.2021.102443
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-152X

Abstract

Highlights: Thermal enhancement of metal hydride hydrogen storage using novel multi-zone configuration Lower loading time and higher storage rate using higher number of air passages Sensitivity analysis on the operational parameters Lower loading time reduces from 84 to 30 minutes using innovative configuration Abstract: High-temperature metal hydride (MH), such as magnesium hydride, is considered as one of the most promising technology to store hydrogen. However, there are two main bottlenecks, including the low rate of hydrogen absorption and low capacity of the MH reactor. In this regard, heat removal from the MH tank plays a crucial role in the hydrogen storage process. In the present study, to increase the hydrogen absorption performance, a novel configuration of the MH reactor is proposed and simulated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The study aims to assess the geometrical parameters of the proposed heat exchanger. Besides, a sensitivity analysis of the operating parameters of the reactor, including the Reynolds number and temperature of the air as well as hydrogen supply pressure is performed. The results indicate that the charging time drops significantly by increasing the number of air passages since the heat transfer rate improves dramatically. By raising the heat transfer fluid initial temperature, the charging time increases; however, as the heat transfer fluid Reynolds number and the inlet pressure of hydrogen increase, the absorption process accelerates. The recommended configuration is introduced by considering both charging time and manufacturing limitations. It is shown that the loading is approximately 30 minutes for the new multi-zone hydrogen energy storage using four passages for the air which provides a more applicable hydrogen fuel system.