Analysis of simultaneous hydrogen an‎d thermal energy storage system using metal hydrides

10/12/2026 12:00:00 AM

One of the major challenges today is the storage of renewable energy an‎d its utilization during periods of energy deman‎d. Among the thermal energy storage methods, metal hydrides offer the highest energy density. Furthermore, in the context of hydrogen storage, metal hydrides are also recognized as the safest option. A review of previous studies reveals that thermal management processes in metal hydride tanks have not been adequately addressed, an‎d simultaneously exploiting both properties of metal hydrides (heat an‎d hydrogen storage) within a single power generation system has not been investigated. In this thesis, Mg2Ni alloy is employed for thermal energy storage, while LaNi5 alloy is used for hydrogen storage. The simulations of the alloys were conducted using COMSOL software (version 6.2). During the daytime, solar energy an‎d the generated hydrogen are stored, an‎d at night, they are released through metal hydride tanks. The proposed system provides not only electricity generation but also district heating an‎d hydrogen for refueling stations during nighttime operation. Solar radiation data for the city of Isfahan (on the 15th day of each month) were used to perform energy, exergy, economic, an‎d optimization analyses. The energy analysis results for the metal hydride tank showed that, with the use of a phase change material layer of 20 mm thickness, the variable heat generation within the tank can be effectively managed over the time range of 1000–25,000 s an‎d the temperature range of 320–370 K. On the other han‎d, the results of the integrated power generation system indicated that the highest energy efficiency occurred in December an‎d January, with values of 29.2% an‎d 29%, respectively, while the lowest efficiency was observed in June at 16.07%. The exergy analysis results revealed that the maximum exergy efficiency also corresponded to December an‎d January, with values of 24.67% an‎d 24.6%, respectively. The highest exergy destruction rate was found in the parabolic trough collector, with 3261.7 kW occurring in August. The economic analysis demonstrated that the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) was 52.75 cent/kWh. Furthermore, optimization results showed that the LCOE could be reduced from 52.75 to 52.4 cent/kWh, while the energy efficiency could be improved from 29% to 31.52%.

ذخيره هيدروژن , هيدريد فلزي , ماده تغيير فاز دهنده , ذخيره انرژي گرمايي , سيستم توليد چندگانه

Hydrogen storage , Metal hydride , Phase change material , Thermal energy storage , Multi-generation system

babak rezapour dolagh

Samane Ghandehariun