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Project Title: Thermal Compression of Hydrogen Utilizing Geothermal Energy

Scope

This project forms part of the research foundation for the UNR Renewable Energy Center (REC) and will provide the foundation for the UNR REC to become a recognized expert in this field.

The scope of work will be the development of a small scale thermal compression system designed to be incorporated into a geothermal power plant for the compression of hydrogen. The initial system will be designed in a single module of 1 kW capacity (~5 kg of metal hydride1). Additional work will be the development of a thermal compressor component in the TRNSYS environment to allow for an accurate hydrogen production system computer simulation. The ability to scale the thermal compressors to meet various requirements will be investigated as will the unique engineering design criteria associated with such a system.

Objectives

  • Develop a working thermal compressor, based upon high power metal hydride technology that is being developed at the University of Nevada, Reno;

  • Develop an MHTC system within the TRNSYS environment;

  • Determine the maximum and minimum operational temperatures and the corresponding outlet pressures;

  • Understand the ancillary equipment requirements, ability to scale up or down with the metal hydride bed, space and ventilation requirements, the code requirements for implementation and the unique engineering design required for the thermal compression system;

  • Additional results expected from the development of the TRNSYS component include: 1) the ability to investigate impacts on cost and efficiency of thermal compressor system as they relate to flow rates, temperatures, and pressures, and 2) the ability to cost effectively predict the results of using different combinations of hydrides to achieve the desired output dependent on source temperatures.

Status

Task 1:

Complete literature search for activity in thermal compression of hydrogen and the anticipated improvements this proposed system will offer compared to past efforts in this area.

  • Deliverable: Results of literature review and the anticipated improvements that the proposed system will have shall be documented.
Task 2:

Design metal hydride bed to accommodate the scaled down flow rates and storage pressure requirements of hydrogen produced using geothermal energy.

  • Deliverable: Specifications for the metal hydride beds, including characteristics of the metal hydrides for the design flow rates, temperatures, and pressures.

Work with NREL on thermal analysis and optimization for reactor design.

  • Deliverable: Optimized reactor design.

Begin TRNSYS work.

  • Deliverable: A working, verified thermal hydrogen compressor component for the TRNSYS environment with results.
Task 3:

Prepare the engineering design, address code compliance issues, develop a lab safety plan including a documented student training program for safe operation of all associated lab equipment, and formulate ancillary equipment specifications.

  • Deliverable: Fabrication documents for the thermal compressor system, Lab training and safety manual, and an equipment manual detailing the operational procedures required for the associated equipment.
Task 4:

Construct the thermal compressor system.

  • Deliverable: Results of the functioning thermal compressor system.
Task 5:

Measure and verify the system and computer model.

  • Deliverable: Associated data which shall be organized and presented in the final report.
Task 6: Delivery of Final Report discussing the project and the results.

Learn more about the current status of this geothermal project by downloading a recent power point presentation given at the NSWEP Program Review.
(PowerPoint 5.76 MB)

Contact

Dr. Kwang Kim
University of Nevada—Reno
Bus: (775) 784-7522
E-mail: kwangkim@unr.edu