Studies on Mg+LaNi5 based composites with respect to their suitability towards thermal energy storage

Abstract

Metal hydride based energy storage systems are potential for storing thermal energy in a wide range of temperatures (50 to 350°C). In this work suitability of Mg +LaNi5 based composites for thermal energy storage is discussed. Three composites namely Mg+50 wt% La0.8Ce0.2Ni5, Mg+50 wt% LaNi5, Mg+ 50 wt% LaNi4.7Al0.3 are synthesized by ball milling. The Pressure Concentration Isotherms (PCIs) are measured in the temperature of 100 to 200°C and thermodynamic properties are estimated. All the three composites absorbed and desorbed hydrogen in the tested temperature range. A prototype of metal hydride reactor is fabricated and tested with 500 g of composite samples to evaluate the performance of thermal energy storage device at different absorption and desorption temperatures and supply pressures. The amount of thermal energy stored increased with increase in temperature and supply pressure.