Use of Metal Hydride for Dual Purpose - Cold Production and Energy Generation in Automobiles.

Ongoing research under the supervision of Dr Maha Bhouri (Memorial University of NL) where metal hydride is being used for cooling the passenger cabin and also simultaneously storing hydrogen for energy production. 

The adsorbed hydrogen gas is released from a metal hydride when heat is transferred into the metal hydride. Our research uses the same principle where hot air from passenger cabin is sent to a passage containing metal hydride using a fan. Heat is extracted from the hot air to release the adsorbed hydrogen gas, and the cold air is recirculated back into the passenger cabin.

COMSOL Multiphysics is being used to simulate scenarios with various orientations and geometries of metal hydride to increase the system's efficiency.  For future applications, using the same principle for thermal management of battery system will be considered. 

Image credits: Dr Maha Bhouri