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Numerical investigation of pulsed heating effects on MgH2 desorption kinetics and thermal efficiency in solid-state hydrogen storage

Author

Listed:
  • Lanbaran, Davoud Abdi
  • Kojour, Pouria Farokhi
  • Wang, Chao
  • Wen, Chuang
  • Wu, Zhen
  • Tian, Mi
  • Li, Bo

Abstract

Magnesium hydride (MgH₂) offers high-capacity solid-state hydrogen storage, but it suffers from slow desorption due to its poor thermal conductivity. Here we model an MgH₂ composite containing 8 wt% expanded natural graphite (ENG), which raises the effective conductivity to 4.2 W.m−1.K−1. Finite element method (FEM) simulations performed in COMSOL Multiphysics compare a conventional constant radial heat flux with a stepwise ON/OFF (pulsed) regime. A 15-min ON/OFF cycle shortens the desorption time by 25 % from 60 to 45 min, keeps the wall temperature below 661 K, and leaves 3.4 kJ.m−3 of recoverable sensible heat, whereas constant heating leaves none. Raising conductivity above 4.2 W.m−1.K−1 offers little extra benefit because gas-phase transport and surface kinetics then dominate. Pulsed heating also exploits thermal-conductivity-evolution feedback (TCEF): MgH₂ converts to metallic Mg during each pulse, further boosting conductivity and accelerating subsequent pulses. Heat-flux sequencing, therefore, delivers faster, more energy-efficient hydrogen release without internal heat-exchanger hardware, highlighting a simple path to improved thermal management in MgH₂-based composite storage systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Lanbaran, Davoud Abdi & Kojour, Pouria Farokhi & Wang, Chao & Wen, Chuang & Wu, Zhen & Tian, Mi & Li, Bo, 2025. "Numerical investigation of pulsed heating effects on MgH2 desorption kinetics and thermal efficiency in solid-state hydrogen storage," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 401(PA).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:401:y:2025:i:pa:s0306261925014205
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.126690
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bao, Zewei & Yang, Fusheng & Wu, Zhen & Cao, Xinxin & Zhang, Zaoxiao, 2013. "Simulation studies on heat and mass transfer in high-temperature magnesium hydride reactors," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 112(C), pages 1181-1189.
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