Analysis and optimization of a metal hydride cooling system

This paper presents both a dynamic model and experimental results of a single-stage metal hydride cooling system working with alloys LmNi4.91Sn0.15 (hot reaction bed) and Ti0.99Zr0.01V0.43Fe0.09Cr0.05Mn1.5 (cold reaction bed). The system can work under regeneration temperatures ranging between 100 °C and 140 °C. Firstly, the model and experimental set-up are presented, and secondly, the key parameters of the cooling system are analyzed by carrying out a sensitivity analysis. A comparison between the actual and static P–C curves provides important information on the operating conditions of the reaction beds. Finally, an optimized system is proposed based on the optimization of the operation and on a more suitable selection of the alloys.