Performance analysis of cylindrical metal hydride beds with various heat exchange options

• 3D numerical model for the comparison of H2 uptake performances in MH reactors.
• 4 options of heat exchange between heat transfer fluid and MH in cylindrical reactor compared.
• Straight tube internal heat exchanger.
• Helical coil internal heat exchanger.
• External heat exchange without and with transversal fins in the MH reactor.

A 3D numerical heat-and-mass transfer model was used for the comparison of H2 uptake performances of powdered cylindrical MH beds comprising MmNi4.6Al0.4 hydrogen storage material. The considered options of heat exchange between the MH and a heat transfer fluid included internal cooling using straight (I) or helically coiled (II) tubing, as well as external cooling of the MH bed without (III) and with (IV) transversal fins. The dynamic performances of these layouts were compared based on the numerical simulation. The effect of heat transfer coefficient was also analysed.