Metal-Hydride Adsorption Systems for Space Conditioning in Commercial and Residential Buildings

A review on thermally-driven metal-hydride adsorption systems is conducted to identify its current development for cooling and heating applications. The state-of-the-art status of these systems is summarized, and the advantages and disadvantages are discussed as comparing to other sorption systems. Moreover, the potential of a heat pump system with metal hydride and hydrogen is evaluated for building space conditioning application. Two methods are used for the evaluation: one is the performance evaluation with system modeling for the operating conditions specified by ASHRAE Standard 116; and the other is a thermo-economic analysis as comparing to electric space conditioning systems. The results of the evaluation are presented in addition to metal hydride selection and the property characterization of selected working media from in-house tests. The conclusion from the thermo-economic analysis is applicable to all thermally-driven systems for space conditioning in commercial and residential buildings.Copyright © 2014 by ASME