The Optimum Design of Refrigeration System Using Metal Hydride

Abstract

MH (Metal Hydride) refrigeration system, which uses natural refrigerants, is a very safe and ecological system. Endothermic reaction between MH and hydride gas could be applied to a non-fluorocarbon refrigerating system. In this study, using demonstrational system and MH calculation model, the effects of MH alloy mass fraction, initial H_2 pressure, heat source temperature, middle cooling temperature and regeneration process time on refrigeration performance, are measured and calculated in order to find the optimum operating conditions. In addition, the carbon fiber is used to improve the effective thermal conductivity of MH alloy bed. As a result, mixing carbon fiber is more effective for cooling load than that of non-mixing carbon fiber.