The Effects of Operational Condition Changes in a Metal Hydride Hydrogen Storage Tank on Operational Continuity as a Means of Transport

In transport applications, metal hydride tanks represent a promising solution for safe and effective hydrogen storage. In this paper, we examine the effects of operational conditions on hydrogen supply continuity from MNTZV-159 tanks into the fuel cell of a hydrogen-powered vehicle. Numerical and analytical calculations are based on thermal field measurements, pressure and the hydrogen flow rate during absorption and desorption. Heat transport and tank thermal field homogeneity were identified in an ANSYS CFX environment, and the results were validated using an analytical model created based on thermal balances. The key outcome of this paper is the identification of the tank time constant—483 s—found in the tested conditions, something which is important in designing control strategies for technical transport systems. The results indicate that an appropriate combination of experimental measurements, numerical simulations and analytical calculations facilitates identifying a tank’s dynamic characteristics, as well as operation optimisation. These findings help in achieving the more reliable and efficient use of MNTZV-159 metal hydride tanks in hydrogen-powered vehicles and facilitating their integration into systems that strive for sustainable mobility and renewable energy use.