Advanced metal hydride heat transfer systrm utilizing an electrochemical hydrogen compressor

摘要

An electrochemical heat transfer device 10 suitable for heating water transfers a hydrogen-based working fluid from tank 50 to heat transfer device 57 via an electrochemical hydrogen compressor 12 where hydrogen is absorbed by a metal hydride forming alloy (53, fig 7) within the tank. The compressor comprises an ionomer layer 34 comprising a proton exchange polymer (31, fig 7); a power supply 28 coupled to an anode 30 and a cathode 32 transfers hydrogen across the proton exchange membrane. A secondary heat transfer device 10’ for cooling water in which hydrogen may be transferred from heat transfer device 47 to tank 40 and may comprise a metal hydride forming alloy (43, fig 7) in which hydrogen is desorbed. A third configuration may comprise combining heat transfer devices 10 and 10’ in a closed loop. The alloy may be a packed bed and may comprise desiccant additives to promote expansion and contraction.