Thermally driven hydrogen compression using metal hydrides. (30th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lototskyy, Mykhaylo; Linkov, Vladimir
• Is Part Of: International journal of energy research. Volume 46:Number 15(2022)
• Page Start: 22049
• Page End: 22069
• Publication Date: 2022-05-30
• Subjects: design -- hydrogen compression -- materials -- metal hydrides -- niche applications -- performance -- technology; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Research -- Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1002/er.8189
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0363-907X

Abstract

Summary: Hydrogen compression is a major contributor to capital costs and maintenance hours in the infrastructure related to storage, distribution and end‐use of hydrogen. Conventionally used mechanical hydrogen compressors have a number of disadvantages including a complicated design, insufficient reliability, high operating costs, a probability of hydrogen leakage and hydrogen contamination. A promising alternative is a thermally driven metal hydride hydrogen compressor (MHHC) whose operation is based on the reversible interaction of hydride‐forming alloys with hydrogen gas. MHHCs have a number of advantages including practically unlimited (up to several kbars) discharge pressure, good scalability (from several normal litres to tens normal cubic metres of hydrogen per an hour), modular design, simplicity in service and operation, as well as high purity of the delivered hydrogen and a possibility to use low‐grade heat. MHHC does not contain moving parts that simplifies its design, increases reliability, and eliminates noise and vibration. This article overviews applied R&D activities related to the thermally driven hydrogen compression using metal hydrides. The focus is put on the interrelation between properties of metal hydride materials and their hydrogen compression performances, first of all, operating pressure ‐ temperature range, process productivity, and efficiency. Typical design features of the hydrogen compression systems and ways of their optimization are considered. A brief techno‐economic analysis of the MHHCs benchmarked against alternative hydrogen compression technologies (mechanical and electrochemical) is presented as well. Finally, promising application niches of the MHHCs are outlined. Abstract : This article overviews R&D activities related to the thermally‐driven hydrogen compression utilising metal hydrides. The focus is put on the interrelation between properties of metal hydride materials and their hydrogen compression performances, first, operating pressure – temperature range, process productivity and efficiency. Typical design features of the hydrogen compression systems and ways of their optimization are considered. A brief techno‐economic analysis of the MHHCs benchmarked against alternative hydrogen compression technologies is presented as well.