Heat and Mass Transfer Issues in the Design of Solid State Hydrogen Storage Devices

Metal hydrides are formed when certain metals or alloys are exposed to hydrogen at favorable temperatures and pressures. In order to sustain the sorption of hydrogen during this exothermic process, the generated heat has to be removed effectively. Release of hydrogen is an endothermic process needing supply of heat to the metal hydride matrix. Depending on the application, the heat transfer medium can be either a liquid or a gas. Reduction of the total weight of hydrogen storage devices is essential towards utilization of hydrogen for mobile and portable applications. While a variety of new storage materials with desirable sorption characteristics are being suggested, optimal thermal design of the storage device remains a major challenge. Lack of thermodynamic, transport and thermophysical property data of the material particles and of the bed is another drawback which needs to be addressed.