Thermal effects in dynamic storage of hydrogen by adsorption

Thermal effects in dynamic hydrogen storage by adsorption at room temperature and high pressure are studied theoretically and experimentally. The system of adsorbate-adsorbent used was hydrogen in granular activated carbon. The theoretical analysis was based or heat- and mass-transfer modeling in a packed-bed adsorber; with particular emphasis on the thermal effects occurring during charge and discharge steps. The influence of gas flow rate and storage pressure (up to 15 MPa) on the total amount stored or delivered was investigated. Operating conditions were compatible with practical application for onboard vehicle storage. The experimental study was carried out in cylindrical 2-L reservoirs filled with granular activated carbon which the bed temperature was measured at various positions. The temperature changes during both charge and discharge charge agreed well with the model predictions.