Design and development of MH actuator system

Hydrogen-absorbing alloys have an energy conversion function via a hydriding/dehydriding reaction. In the present study, the simple metal hydride (MH) actuator, consisting of the copper plated hydrogen-absorbing alloy as a power source, Peltier elements as a heat source and a cylinder with metal bellows as a functioning part has been developed. To improve the thermal conductivity of the hydrogen-absorbing alloy, an electro-less copper plating has been carried out. The effects of the electro-less copper plating and the dynamic characteristics of the MH actuator have been studied. (C) 2004 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.