Harnessing Metal Hydrides for Energy-Efficient Industrial Process Heating

Kurzfassung

Metal hydrides (MH), in addition to hydrogen storage, have been found to be promising for several thermal applications in both stationary and mobile systems. A key characteristic of MH is their pressure-dependent reaction temperatures, with higher hydrogen pressures resulting in higher temperatures, making them appealing for integration into heat pump systems. Their application in industrial heating processes can lead to significant energy savings and improved operational efficiency. As a case study, in a paper production facility requiring high-pressure, high-temperature steam, MH can partially supply heat to the steam and provide hydrogen for combustion to generate steam. Thermodynamic analysis demonstrates that a single MH reactor could theoretically pump approximately 16.67% of the total thermal energy required, leading to around 14.29% fuel savings. To ensure continuous operation, a dual-reactor system is necessary: one reactor heats a portion of the steam while storing hydrogen, while the other supplies hydrogen to the burner and generates additional steam, which mixes with the first steam before being used in the process. This study examines the effects of varying mass flow portions, trade-offs, and the optimization of operating conditions for this system.