Cooling of a metal hydride container with alternate switching between Peltier thermopiles

Abstract

The absorption of hydrogen during the process of the storage thereof in metal hydride containers generates thermal energy. This process occurs due to the dissociation of the hydrogen molecule and the diffusion of the hydrogen atoms into the interstitial space of the crystal lattice of the metal. As a result, it is necessary to provide cooling of this storage unit in order to eliminate the pressure and temperature fluctuations. Therefore, a cooling device was constructed, applying the principle of Peltier thermopiles, which facilitates continuous regulation and optimal temperatures of a metal hydride container. For the purpose of describing the cooling power, a numerical calculation was carried out for constant cooling and for cooling with alternate switching between the Peltier thermopiles. The article also contains a description of experimental measurements of switching between the pairs of Peltier thermopiles in order to confirm the appropriateness of the cooling device control settings.