Numerical Simulation on the Hydrogen Storage Performance of Magnesium Hydrogen Storage Reactors

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Thermodynamics

Background:

• Magnesium hydride (MH) is a leading material for hydrogen storage.
• Heat emission during hydrogen storage in MH limits reaction efficiency.
• Improving heat transfer in magnesium hydrogen storage reactors (MHSRs) is crucial for efficient hydrogen storage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the hydrogen storage performance of MHSRs using numerical simulations.
• To analyze the impact of structural parameters and operating conditions on MHSR performance.
• To identify optimal conditions for enhanced hydrogen storage efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Numerical simulation of MHSR performance.
• Analysis of structural parameters: fin thickness and spacing.
• Evaluation of operating conditions: inlet temperature and velocity.
• Utilizing Volume Energy Storage Rate (VESR) as the Comprehensive Evaluation Index (CEI).

Main Results:

• Fins and heat exchange tubes enhance heat transfer in MHSRs.
• Increased fin thickness reduces hydrogen storage time; increased fin spacing has the opposite effect.
• VESR initially increases then decreases with rising fin thickness and spacing.
• Hydrogen storage time decreases then increases with rising inlet temperature.
• Hydrogen storage time stabilizes around 900 s for inlet velocities above 5 m/s.

Conclusions:

• Structural modifications like fins and heat exchange tubes improve MHSR heat transfer.
• Optimizing fin dimensions and operating parameters is key to enhancing hydrogen storage performance.
• Optimized operating conditions can reduce hydrogen storage time by up to 57.8%.