Integration of a PEM fuel cell with a metal hydride tank for stationary applications

Abstract

Abstract An integrated power system of a PEM fuel cell and hydride tanks designed for stationary applications is described. The work was focused on different aspects related to the development of the metal hydride tank and to its integration with the fuel cell, using water as thermal fluid. A commercially available LaNi 4.8 Al 0.2 intermetallic compound was chosen as hydrogen storage material, having sorption characteristics adequate to the working conditions of the system (i.e. 60 °C and 1 atm). Tanks were constituted by stainless steel, together with copper fins for improving heat exchanges between the thermal fluid and the tank. The performances of the integrated system were tested in different working conditions, in order to evaluate its reliability and efficiency. The system can operate for about 6 h, at an average power of 0.76 kW and delivering a total energy of 4.8 kW h, consuming about 3120 Nl of H 2.