Abstract
To cope with the tight timeframe of the global transformation from fossil to renewable energy sources, efficient
methods and tools such as process and system simulation are essential for rapid development, cost-efficient design
and scale-up validation of new energy systems. This numerical analysis investigates the coupling of a stationary
metal hydride (MH) hydrogen storage system with a low-temperature 10 kW proton exchange membrane (PEM)
electrolyzer as a fast-responding and well-controllable hydrogen source. The heat management of the solid-state
storage tank is improved through additional aluminium fins and an external cooling jacket. For modeling and process
simulation, Aspen Custom Modeler® is used to study the mass and heat transfer phenomena in the hydrogen storage
tank, as well as the interaction with the electrolyzer. The hydrogen tank is designed to store a total capacity of 700 g
of H2 using 62.5 kg commercial room temperature AB2-alloy, Hydralloy C5®. The operating pressure varies from 5 to
38 bar H2, while the coolant temperature varies from 20 to 60°C depending on the exothermic absorption or
endothermic desorption processes.
