Increasing the Total Efficiency of Hydrogen Energy Storages

The world’s growing energy consumption, the quest to reduce carbon emissions and climate problems highlight the importance of investing in energy systems with a low environmental impact. In this regard, Hydrogen Electricity Storages (AEH2) have proved to be a promising technological alternative. However, the overall efficiency of AEH2’s is very limited. In this book, the aim is to increase the efficiency of AEH2’s by theoretically and experimentally studying the use of heat from their components. The AEH2 in this research is made up of an alkaline electrolyzer, a hydrogen store in the form of metal hydrides and a PEM-type fuel cell stack. An experimental plant was set up for data collection, testing and research, and the equation and mathematical modeling of the equipment were developed. The interconnection between the models made it possible to simulate the charge and discharge cycles, taking into account the use of heat from the AEH2 components. Based on the results of the simulations, the potential and impact of thermal reuse on the total efficiency of AEH2 was estimated.