Semi-cylindrical coil improves charging time for hydrogen fuel cell

UTS’ Dr Saidul Islam said solid hydrogen storage – particularly metal hydride - is attracting interest because it is safer, more compact, and lower cost than compressed gas or liquid, and it can reversibly absorb and release hydrogen.

“Metal hydride hydrogen storage technology is ideal for onsite hydrogen production from renewable electrolysis. It can store the hydrogen for extended periods and once needed, it can be converted as gas or a form of thermal or electric energy when converted through a fuel cell,” Dr Islam said in a statement. “Applications include hydrogen compressors, rechargeable batteries, heat pumps and heat storage, isotope separation and hydrogen purification. It can also be used to store hydrogen in space, to be used in satellites and other 'green' space technology.”

A problem with metal hydride for hydrogen energy storage has been its low thermal conductivity, which leads to slow charging and discharging times.

To address this the researchers developed a new method to improve solid-state hydrogen charging and discharging times. The study: Design optimization of a magnesium-based metal hydride hydrogen energy storage system, was recently published in Scientific Reports.