USE OF VANADIUM-BASED SOLID-SOLUTION ALLOYS IN METAL HYDRIDE HEAT-PUMPS

Hydrides of vanadium-based bcc solid solution alloys of the general formula (V//1// minus //xTi//x)//1// minus //yFe//y are considered for use in metal hydride heat pumps. It is shown that because of the unusually high values of enthalpy DELTA H and entropy DELTA S of dihydride formation, these hydrides are particularly suitable for this application. Since the DELTA H values are generally about 50% higher than those of hydrides of intermetallic compounds about one-third less alloy would be required for the equivalent operation of a heat pump. The increased values of DELTA S permit operation at sufficiently high hydrogen pressures.