Understanding the Application Envelope for Metal Hydride Compressors (Techno-Economic Considerations)

Currently, H2 compression is one of the highest-cost items, both in terms of capital and operating costs, at H2 refuelling stations. Metal hydride (MH) compressors are an alternative H2 compression technology, which uses heat rather than electricity to provide the driving force for compression. Where waste heat is available, these compressors have the potential to be lower in cost than current mechanical alternatives. While the development of metal hydride compressors has been underway for the last 40–50 years, only a few have made it through to demonstration at industrial sites. To better understand where these compressors see best potential, we have completed a high-level assessment of the levelised costs associated with MH compression. We explore the impact of cost assumptions (capital and operating cost items) on the overall cost of MH compression over an assumed 10-year life. Results indicate that MH compressors have similar capital costs to currently available mechanical compressors but have a significant advantage in operating costs where waste or solar heat is available. This analysis highlights that it is the cost of energy that has the greatest impact on the cost competitiveness of the metal hydride compressor.