Simulation of high temperature thermal energy storage system based on coupled metal hydrides for solar driven steam power plants

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2018-01, Vol.43 (2), p.817-830
• Main Authors: d'Entremont, Anna, Corgnale, Claudio, Hardy, Bruce, Zidan, Ragaiy
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: ENERGY STORAGE; ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES; High temperature; Hydrogen storage; Metal hydrides; SOLAR ENERGY; Solar power plants; Thermal energy storage; Transport models
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2017.11.100

Concentrating solar power plants can achieve low cost and efficient renewable electricity production if equipped with adequate thermal energy storage systems. Metal hydride based thermal energy storage systems are appealing candidates due to their demonstrated potential for very high volumetric energy densities, high exergetic efficiencies, and low costs. The feasibility and performance of a thermal energy storage system based on NaMgH2F hydride paired with TiCr1.6Mn0.2 is examined, discussing its integration with a solar-driven ultra-supercritical steam power plant. The simulated storage system is based on a laboratory-scale experimental apparatus. It is analyzed using a detailed transport model accounting for the thermochemical hydrogen absorption and desorption reactions, including kinetics expressions adequate for the current metal hydride system. The results show that the proposed metal hydride pair can suitably be integrated with a high temperature steam power plant. The thermal energy storage system achieves output energy densities of 226 kWh/m3, 9 times the DOE SunShot target, with moderate temperature and pressure swings. In addition, simulations indicate that there is significant scope for performance improvement via heat-transfer enhancement strategies. •A metal hydride storage system identified for supercritical steam power plant.•A laboratory scale thermal energy storage system modeled.•Technical feasibility of the system demonstrated, with recovery of waste heat.•Achieved temperatures of 600–650 °C, energy densities 9 times the DOE target.•Heat transfer system enhancements identified.