Design of a hydrogen-storage device for evaluating tensions induced by volumetric expansion during hydrogen absorption

J. MARÍN; A. BARUJ; G. O. MEYER; E.M. BORZONE; A. BIASETTI

Buenos Aires

Congreso; 9th International Topical Meeting on Neutron Radiography (ITMNR-9); 2022

International Society for Neutron Radiography / CNEA

Hydride-Forming Materials (HFMs) allow to storage hydrogen in solid state. The reaction can be reversed by heat or pressure, releasing gaseous hydrogen. When hydrogen is incorporated into its structure, the HFM experiences a volumetric expansion. In the case of LaNi5, a commonly used AB5 type material, it can be as high as 27%. During cycling (successive cycles of hydrogen absorption/desorption), the HFM decrepitates and suffers compactation (Fig. 1, left). The decrepitation reduces heat transfer, while compactation, in the most extreme case, may deform or even brake the container.For constructing a safe and efficient hydrogen storage system it is of crucial importance to characterize the volumetric expansion and the tensions originated by the HFM. With these objectives, we have designed a device with an adequate geometry for being studied by neutron imaging (Fig. 1, right). With this technique, it is possible to observe the interior of a metallic vessel and at the same time distinguish, trough a convenient contrast difference, the hydrogen distribution in a HFM.