Metal Hydride Hydrogen Storage as a Safe Alternative to Traditional Hydrogen Storage Methods

Abstract Safety in hydrogen storage is a key factor for its potential use in modern energy systems. Hydrogen is often referred to as the fuel of the future and therefore poses significant safety challenges due to its high flammability, low molecular density, and ability to easily penetrate various materials. Traditional methods of storing hydrogen include high-pressure storage under high pressures of 35–70 MPa in pressurized vessels and the storage of liquid hydrogen at temperatures as low as −253°C. Metal hydride hydrogen storage tanks are a safe alternative to these traditional storage systems. Hydrogen is a chemically bonded system to metal alloys at pressures under 10 bar(a) and room temperature, eliminating safety risks. During the absorption and desorption of hydrogen, endothermic and exothermic reactions occur, necessitating efficient thermal management. To ensure effective thermal management of the storage tank, various approaches can be applied. One highly innovative solution involves the use of a closed-loop heat pipe (LHP). This system requires no pumping work during operation; thus, it has low energy requirements for operation. The article presents the design of a thermal management system for heating and cooling a metal hydride hydrogen storage tank, along with the development of a physical model of the tank using loop heat pipes. It also discusses the experimental results obtained from measurements on the physical model. Results demonstrate that a well-designed thermal management system ensures optimal operation of the metal hydride storage tank.