Heat Activated Metal Hydride Refrigeration Cycle

Roughly two-thirds of the fuel used in electric power plants is wasted in the form of dissipated heat. The opportunity exists to maximize the use of this heat by generating power and using the waste heat on-site for heating and cooling needs. The development of efficient cooling equipment that makes effective use of lower-temperature heat, compared to current absorption cooling equipment, would greatly improve energy savings and proliferation of combined heating and power (CHP) systems. This project will develop refrigeration cycles based on use of metal hydride slurry technology. Metal hydrides have been under development for use in storage and transport of hydrogen for future hydrogen vehicle applications. However, recent work has shown that these materials also are viable for use in absorption refrigeration cycles. Phase I will involve analysis and feasibility studies for metal hydride slurry refrigeration cycles. In Phase II, a prototype metal hydride slurry chiller will be developed. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Metal hydride slurry chillers and refrigeration should improve the energy savings and economic attractiveness of CHP systems, helping to increase the adoption of such systems in large commercial buildings and industry. Waste heat streams, which are available in industrial applications such as food processing, also would provide a setting for use of the proposed technology. The benefits would include reductions in energy use, relief of electricity grid stress during times of peak load, and reduction of emissions.