Heat transfer enhancement in metal hydride systems

TLDR: In this paper, the authors report on attempts to enhance the heat transfer by the addition of small fractions of high conductivity materials in various configurations, and the results indicate that the form of the enhancement material rather than its composition is the more critical factor.

Abstract: The Brookhaven National Laboratory, Department of Energy and Environment has been engaged in finding solutions to the engineering problems associated with the storage of hydrogen as metal hydrides - principally iron-titanium hydride. The thermal conductivity in beds of fine particles, whatever their composition, is inherently poor. This paper reports on attempts to enhance the heat transfer by the addition of small fractions of high conductivity materials in various configurations. The results indicate that the form of the enhancement material rather than its composition is the more critical factor.