Energy conversion method - using heat to decompose hydride and converting the energy in the gas produced, to work

摘要

Method for conversion of energy comprises (i) establishing several energy conversion beds, one of which contains a metal hydride which is stable at room temp. and can be decomposedat 100-300 degrees C into H2 and a hydridable metal, the other beds contg. hydridable metal which can react with H2 and one being a H2 receiving bed, (ii) heating the bed contg. hydride to decompose it, (iii) passing the H2 obtd. over an energy conversion device to convert the internal energy in the H2 into mechanical work, (iv) passing the used H2 into the receiver bed while keeping its temp. below the decomposition temp. of the hydride, so as to form more metallic hydride for recirculating to the first bed. The metal hydride is pref. LaNi5H6-7 and it is heated to >=150. Conversion of thermal energy or solar energy into mechanical work is achieved. Method avoids the problems associated with photovoltaic cells in converting solar energy.