Numerical Modeling of Hydrogen Storage Systems

Abstract

Hydrogen storage systems has attracted numerous researchers all over the world due to the fact that hydrogen has been considered as a worthy alternative to the already depleting fossil fuels. In addition to this, hydrogen is environmental friendly, hence its use as an energy source will greatly reduce the emission of green gases in to the atmosphere. However, the major challenge with the use of hydrogen is its safe storage. Hence, the development of numerical solutions to solve this problem, using Lanthanum pentanickel (LaNi5) as intermetallic reactant makes the study economically and technically feasible. A numerical simulation of heat transfer in a cylindrical hydrogen storage tank is considered. The use of fins was also considered in the reactor in order to enhance the heat transfer. Governing equations such as energy equation and momentum equation are incorporated with the adequate boundary conditions. The computational tool of COMSOL Multiphysics 5.4 is employed to perform the simulations. Results of the simulation shows that the initial hydrogen absorption in the bed occurs very rapidly owing to high enthalpy of reaction caused by the exothermic reaction, resulting in the rapid increase in bed temperature. This will enhance the study of heat transfer control in the bed.