Abstract
An integral method is used to analyze the performance of a complete system model of a compressor-driven metal hydride heat pump. CFD studies incorporating the transient non-isothermal fully compressible nature of such systems have confirmed that high specific powers and COPs comparable to vapour compression cycles are achievable. Finite-time thermodynamic studies focusing on specific aspects of external heat exchanger design have identified the need for less computationally intensive models which include in a detailed manner all parasitic thermal losses as well the capability of capturing the thermal phase lags which occur between the reactors and the heat exchangers during steady-state operation. This paper develops a rigorous intermediate model which captures these effects. Parametric studies are presented as well as comparision with data from a prototype device.
