A Metal Hydride Compressor Concept using Hydrogen as a Heat Transfer Fluid

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Thermodynamics

Background:

• Metal hydride compressors offer an alternative to mechanical systems.
• Heat transfer limitations in metal hydride compressors impact productivity.
• Existing designs face challenges with pressure-bearing walls and thermal conductivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present and analyze an innovative metal hydride compressor system.
• To explore the use of hydrogen as a direct heat transfer fluid.
• To demonstrate system integration and performance at component and system levels.

Main Methods:

• Developed a metal hydride compressor system utilizing hydrogen as a direct heat transfer fluid.
• Analyzed system behavior at both the component (metal hydride bed) and integrated system levels.
• Conducted simulations for system operation across a temperature range of 10-90°C.

Main Results:

• Achieved specific productivities of 300 L_n h⁻¹ kg⁻¹.
• Demonstrated low electrical energy demand for operation.
• Exceeded the typical ~75% isothermal efficiency of mechanical piston compressors.

Conclusions:

• The direct convective heat transfer approach significantly enhances metal hydride compressor performance.
• The proposed design offers a highly efficient and productive hydrogen compression solution.
• This technology presents a viable alternative to conventional mechanical hydrogen compressors.