IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jeners/v18y2025i5p1291-d1606590.html

A Review on the Overall Performance of Metal Hydride-Based Hydrogen Storage Systems

Author

Listed:
  • Puchanee Larpruenrudee

    (School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia)

  • Nick S. Bennett

    (School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia)

  • Zhen Luo

    (School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia)

  • M. J. Hossain

    (School of Electrical and Data Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia)

  • Nawshad Haque

    (CSIRO Mineral Resources, Clayton South, Melbourne, VIC 3169, Australia)

  • Emilie Sauret

    (School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia)

  • Robert Fitch

    (School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia)

  • Mohammad S. Islam

    (School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia)

Abstract

Metal hydride-based hydrogen storage (MHHS) has been used for several purposes, including mobile and stationary applications. In general, the overall MHHS performance for both applications depends on three main factors, which are the appropriate selection of metal hydride material uses, design configurations of the MHHS based on the heat exchanger, and overall operating conditions. However, there are different specific requirements for the two applications. The weight of the overall MHHS is the key requirement for mobile applications, while hydrogen storage capacity is the key requirement for stationary applications. Based on these requirements, several techniques have been recently used to enhance MHHS performance by mostly considering the faster hydrogen absorption/desorption reaction. Considering metal hydride (MH) materials, their low thermal conductivity significantly impacts the hydrogen absorption/desorption reaction. For this purpose, a comprehensive understanding of these three main factors and the hydrogen absorption/desorption reaction is critical and it should be up to date to obtain the suitable MHHS performance for all related applications. Therefore, this article reviews the key techniques, which have recently been applied for the enhancement of MHHS performance. In the review, it is demonstrated that the design and layout of the heat exchanger greatly affect the performance of the internal heat exchanger. The initial temperature of the heat transfer fluid and hydrogen supply pressure are the main parameters to increase the hydrogen sorption rate and specific heating power. The higher supply pressure results in the improvement in specific heating power. For the metal hydride material selection under the consideration of mobile applications and stationary applications, it is important to strike trade-offs between hydrogen storage capacity, weight, material cost, and effective thermal conductivity.

Suggested Citation

  • Puchanee Larpruenrudee & Nick S. Bennett & Zhen Luo & M. J. Hossain & Nawshad Haque & Emilie Sauret & Robert Fitch & Mohammad S. Islam, 2025. "A Review on the Overall Performance of Metal Hydride-Based Hydrogen Storage Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-50, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:5:p:1291-:d:1606590
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/5/1291/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/5/1291/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bai, Xiao-Shuai & Yang, Wei-Wei & Tang, Xin-Yuan & Yang, Fu-Sheng & Jiao, Yu-Hang & Yang, Yu, 2021. "Optimization of tree-shaped fin structures towards enhanced absorption performance of metal hydride hydrogen storage device: A numerical study," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 220(C).
    2. Ye, Yang & Yue, Yi & Lu, Jianfeng & Ding, Jing & Wang, Weilong & Yan, Jinyue, 2021. "Enhanced hydrogen storage of a LaNi5 based reactor by using phase change materials," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 180(C), pages 734-743.
    3. Jiao, Kui & Li, Xianguo & Yin, Yan & Zhou, Yibo & Yu, Shuhai & Du, Qing, 2012. "Effects of various operating conditions on the hydrogen absorption processes in a metal hydride tank," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 257-269.
    4. Ye, Yang & Lu, Jianfeng & Ding, Jing & Wang, Weilong & Yan, Jinyue, 2020. "Numerical simulation on the storage performance of a phase change materials based metal hydride hydrogen storage tank," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 278(C).
    5. Zheng, Shuaishuai & Wang, Yuqi & Wang, Di & Guan, Sinan & Liu, Ying & Wang, Feng & Zheng, Lan & Wu, Le & Gao, Xiong & Zhang, Zaoxiao, 2023. "Design and performance study on the primary & secondary helical-tube reactor," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 263(PD).
    6. Vignarooban, K. & Xu, Xinhai & Arvay, A. & Hsu, K. & Kannan, A.M., 2015. "Heat transfer fluids for concentrating solar power systems – A review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 146(C), pages 383-396.
    7. Adilkhanova, Indira & Memon, Shazim Ali & Kim, Jong & Sheriyev, Almas, 2021. "A novel approach to investigate the thermal comfort of the lightweight relocatable building integrated with PCM in different climates of Kazakhstan during summertime," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 217(C).
    8. Principi, G. & Agresti, F. & Maddalena, A. & Lo Russo, S., 2009. "The problem of solid state hydrogen storage," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 34(12), pages 2087-2091.
    9. Wu, Zhen & Yang, Fusheng & Zhang, Zaoxiao & Bao, Zewei, 2014. "Magnesium based metal hydride reactor incorporating helical coil heat exchanger: Simulation study and optimal design," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 130(C), pages 712-722.
    10. Krishna, K. Venkata & Kanti, Praveen Kumar & Maiya, M.P., 2024. "A novel fin efficiency concept to optimize solid state hydrogen storage reactor," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 288(C).
    11. Liu, Yang & Wang, Hongxia & Ayub, Iqra & Yang, Fusheng & Wu, Zhen & Zhang, Zaoxiao, 2021. "A variable cross-section annular fins type metal hydride reactor for improving the phenomenon of inhomogeneous reaction in the thermal energy storage processes," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 295(C).
    12. Ye, Yang & Ding, Jing & Wang, Weilong & Yan, Jinyue, 2021. "The storage performance of metal hydride hydrogen storage tanks with reaction heat recovery by phase change materials," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 299(C).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Zheng, Long & Jing, Zefeng & Feng, Chenchen & Wang, Lichao & Zhou, Yujuan & Qiao, Mingzheng & Liu, Zhen, 2026. "Underground hydrogen storage (UHS): Comparative analysis of key performance metrics," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 226(PD).

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Dong, Xiaofei & Zhao, Hongxia & Li, Hailong & Fucucci, Giacomo & Zheng, Qingrong & Zhao, Honghua & Pu, Jinhuan, 2024. "A novel design of a metal hydride reactor integrated with phase change material for H2 storage," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 367(C).
    2. Ye, H. & Tao, Y.B. & Yu, X.K. & Dong, Z.J. & Xin, X., 2024. "Optimization on distribution of high thermal conductivity materials in metal hydride reactor for improving heat transfer performance," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 235(C).
    3. Krishna, K. Venkata & Kanti, Praveen Kumar & Maiya, M.P., 2024. "A novel fin efficiency concept to optimize solid state hydrogen storage reactor," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 288(C).
    4. Kotowicz, Janusz & Uchman, Wojciech & Jurczyk, Michał & Sekret, Robert, 2023. "Evaluation of the potential for distributed generation of green hydrogen using metal-hydride storage methods," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 344(C).
    5. Ye, Yang & Lu, Jianfeng & Ding, Jing & Wang, Weilong & Yan, Jinyue, 2022. "Performance improvement of metal hydride hydrogen storage tanks by using phase change materials," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 320(C).
    6. Dai, Hui & Huang, Qingke & Zhou, Shaobin & Yan, Suying & Zhang, Wei & Gao, Ming, 2025. "Analysis and optimization of hydrogen storage performance of thermal self-equilibrium metal hydride reactors equipped with U-tubes," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 254(C).
    7. Kim, Sung Han & Miesse, Craig M. & Lee, Hee Bum & Chang, Ik Whang & Hwang, Yong Sheen & Jang, Jae Hyuk & Cha, Suk Won, 2014. "Ultra compact direct hydrogen fuel cell prototype using a metal hydride hydrogen storage tank for a mobile phone," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 134(C), pages 382-391.
    8. Ye, Yang & Yue, Yi & Lu, Jianfeng & Ding, Jing & Wang, Weilong & Yan, Jinyue, 2021. "Enhanced hydrogen storage of a LaNi5 based reactor by using phase change materials," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 180(C), pages 734-743.
    9. Ruizhe Ran & Jing Wang & Fusheng Yang & Rahmatjan Imin, 2024. "Fast Design and Numerical Simulation of a Metal Hydride Reactor Embedded in a Conventional Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchanger," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-18, February.
    10. Ye, Yang & Ding, Jing & Wang, Weilong & Yan, Jinyue, 2021. "The storage performance of metal hydride hydrogen storage tanks with reaction heat recovery by phase change materials," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 299(C).
    11. 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).
    12. Xiao, Jinsheng & Tong, Liang & Bénard, Pierre & Chahine, Richard, 2020. "Thermodynamic analysis for hydriding-dehydriding cycle of metal hydride system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 191(C).
    13. Lin, Xi & Zhu, Qi & Leng, Haiyan & Yang, Hongguang & Lyu, Tao & Li, Qian, 2019. "Numerical analysis of the effects of particle radius and porosity on hydrogen absorption performances in metal hydride tank," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 250(C), pages 1065-1072.
    14. Aadhithiyan, A.K. & Sreeraj, R. & Anbarasu, S., 2025. "Enrichment of energy interaction and management in helical tubes configured hydride-hydrogen storage devices: An energy and economic overview," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 242(C).
    15. Guo, Leilei & Wu, Zhen & Li, Ruiqing & Huang, Xianchun & Wang, Bofei & Yang, Fusheng & Zhang, Zaoxiao, 2024. "New insights into the impurity transport and separation behaviours during metal hydride dehydrogenation for ultra-pure hydrogen," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 353(PB).
    16. Bai, Xiao-Shuai & Yang, Wei-Wei & Tang, Xin-Yuan & Yang, Fu-Sheng & Jiao, Yu-Hang & Yang, Yu, 2021. "Hydrogen absorption performance investigation of a cylindrical MH reactor with rectangle heat exchange channels," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 232(C).
    17. Kou, Huaqin & Huang, Zhiyong & Luo, Wenhua & Sang, Ge & Meng, Daqiao & Luo, Deli & Zhang, Guanghui & Chen, Hao & Zhou, Ying & Hu, Changwen, 2015. "Experimental study on full-scale ZrCo and depleted uranium beds applied for fast recovery and delivery of hydrogen isotopes," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 145(C), pages 27-35.
    18. Shen, Shuo & Xu, Zhuanghua & Dong, Fei & Xu, Sheng & Yin, Bifeng, 2025. "Application of machine learning to thermal management of solid-state hydrogen storage: A comprehensive review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 223(C).
    19. Lesmana, Luthfan Adhy & Aziz, Muhammad, 2023. "Adoption of triply periodic minimal surface structure for effective metal hydride-based hydrogen storage," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 262(PA).
    20. Wang, Ke & Chen, Wei & Li, Lu, 2022. "Multi-field coupled modeling of metal hydride hydrogen storage: A resistance atlas for H2 absorption reaction and heat-mass transport," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 187(C), pages 1118-1129.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:5:p:1291-:d:1606590. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager The email address of this maintainer does not seem to be valid anymore. Please ask MDPI Indexing Manager to update the entry or send us the correct address (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.