Characterization and operational control of a LaNi5-based hydrogen storage prototype

J. SOMOZA; A. BARUJ; E.M. BORZONE; G. O. MEYER

Florianópolis

Congreso; XI Encontro da SBPMat 2012; 2012

Sociedade Brasileira de Pesquisa em Materiais

We present details on the design and construction of a hydrogen storage/compressor device based on the use of a hydride forming material. The prototype uses LaNi5 to store 3 g of hydrogen at room temperature under a 2 bar pressure. Stored hydrogen is recovered either by raising the hydride temperature or by decreasing the outlet pressure. We have paid particular attention to safety and control parameters. The control loop is performed by a home-made dedicated electronic circuit acting on a heater and a proportional solenoid valve. The circuit has been built around a programmable microprocessor able to process data from vessel pressure, external pressure and temperature sensors. Outlet pressure can be regulated between 5 and 60 bar, while providing up to 15 sccm of constant hydrogen flow (Fig. 1). Under the most demanding conditions, this prototype can be used as a portable hydrogen source for uninterrupted 28 hours. In this presentation we discuss the control strategy based on the characteristics of the selected hydrogen storage alloy and its behavior under real life operating conditions.