Rescue jack system applying hydrogen-absorbing alloys as a pressure source

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2018-12, Vol.43 (49), p.22438-22446
• Main Authors: Hosono, Minako, Sakaki, Kouji, Nakamura, Yumiko, Ino, Shuichi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Actuator design; Flexible end effector; Hydrogen-absorbing alloy; Rescue tool
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2018.09.190

This paper presents a flexible and compact rescue jack system that uses a hydrogen-absorbing alloy as its pressure source. The jack system comprises a container for the hydrogen-absorbing alloy and an end effector thin enough to be applied within a 2 mm-thick gap, made of a fiber-reinforced rubber bag. The hydrogen-absorbing alloy (LaNi4.45Co0.5Mn0.05), whose plateau pressure was set to near atmospheric pressure at 25 °C, released hydrogen gas when heated to 50 °C. Experiments showed the system could lift 100 kg at moderate speed when the alloy container was placed in hot water (50 °C). Moreover, the jack system could maintain a 50 mm lift of 100 kg for nearly 12 h—performance comparable with that of an air jack. This clearly indicates the fiber-reinforced rubber bag is a suitable end effector of the actuator. The proposed jack system has good potential for prompt rescue activities conducted by non-professional operatives. •Rescue jack system using hydrogen-absorbing alloy as its pressure source is proposed.•Thin and flexible end effector is capable of deployment in 2-mm-thick gaps.•Rescue jack system can lift 100 kg by 50 mm when alloy is placed in 50 °C water.•Rescue jack system can sustain a lift of 100 kg by 50 mm for nearly 12 h.