| Abstract: | The performance of a single-stage metal hydride cooling system working with the ZrMnFe/MmNi4.5Al0.5 pair has been evaluated based on heat transfer and reaction kinetics considerations. Results show that the initial and operating costs of the system have to be minimized by optimizing the bed thickness, effective thermal conductivity and overall heat transfer coefficients. Of the three operating temperatures (heat source, heat sink and refrigeration temperatures), refrigeration temperature has the greatest influence on system performance, as desorption during the refrigeration process normally controls the cycle time and specific alloy output. However, heat source and heat rejection temperatures assume importance at high refrigeration temperatures. The average COP of the above system lies between 0.45 and 0.50. |
