Strategies for scaling-up LaNi5-based hydrogen storage system with internal conical fins and cooling tubes

Scaling-up of a 5 kg LaNi5 reactor i.e. Reference Design (RD) with 88.9 mm outer diameter (OD) and 10 conical copper fins embedded with 6 cooling tubes to a 25 kg one is studied through simulations. RD takes 585 s for 90% saturation during hydrogen absorption at P-s = 15 bar and 5 LPM water supply (20 degrees C). Decreasing tank OD and increasing the number of fins result in the best performance. A scaled-up design with tank OD = 114.3 mm and 60 fins exhibits 57-58% reduction in saturation time (695 s), versus a proportionally-scaled-up design (dimensions of RD increase proportionally) with tank OD = 141.3 mm and 10 fins. Five units of RD connected in series reduce saturation time by similar to 60% (670 s). Series/parallel configurations can match the RD performance, reduce shutdown risk, offer flexibility in operation, configuration and ease of maintenance. (c) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study focuses on scaling-up a 5 kg LaNi5 reactor to a 25 kg one by adjusting the tank outer diameter and the number of fins. A design with a tank OD of 114.3 mm and 60 fins shows the best performance, reducing saturation time by 57-58% compared to a proportionally scaled-up design. Connecting five units of the Reference Design in series reduces saturation time by around 60%.