Development of a Passively Cooled, Electrically Heated Hydride (PACE) Bed

A nominal 1500 STP-L PAssively Cooled, Electrically heated hydride (PACE) Bed has been developed and tested. The bed contained 12.6 kg of a La-Ni-Al alloy and used aluminum foam to improve heat transfer within the bed. Steady-state temperature measurements made at constant power showed a nonuniform bed temperature profile. Protium absorption rates were measured at pressures of 253 kPa, 413 kPa, and 680 kPa with forced convection cooling air flow rates ranging from 50 to 150 SLPM air. Absorption tests were also performed simulating the absorption of tritium and a method for estimating this rate using protium absorption data presented. Desorption rates were measured at pressures ranging from 20 kPa to 933 kPa using dual and single 400 watt electric heaters and found desorption rates were only impacted at the beginning and the end of a desorption cycle by the use of a single heater.