The hydrogen and
fuel cell center
ZBT GmbH

Hydrogen storage

The storage of hydrogen can be realised amongst others by the use of so called metal hydrides. Depending on the metal or metal alloy a hydride, that is a chemical compound including hydrogen, is formed at different temperatures and hydrogen pressures in an exothermic process. In order to release the hydrogen from the hydride providing heat (energy) is necessary.

ZBT investigates materials and storage tanks for low and high temperature hydrides for hydrogen storage. Material investigations can be performed by means of a magnetic suspension balance. For the purpose of tank characterisation up to capacity of about 1 Nm³ hydrogen a test facility is available. Both facilities are suitable for storage temperatures up to 400 °C.

Due to the enthalpy of formation and its reversibility metal hydrides can also be used as chemical heat storage. In the frame of a project, funded by the E.ON International Research Initiative, a heat storage system consisting of high and low temperature metal hydride could be demonstrated successfully.

Field of work and services

  • Characterisation of metal hydride tanks up to about 1 Nm³ hydrogen capacity
  • Development of storage concepts
  • Design of storage systems
  • Characterisation of materials
  • Optimisation of storage tanks
Last update:  03.08.2020