Simulation of the metal hydride utilization cycle in a fuel cell with a high-temperature proton exchange membrane

A mathematical model is proposed for a metal hydride plant, which can be used to utilize low-grade heat. As an example, the study considers a low-grade heat source, an HT PEMFC fuel cell with a high-temperature proton exchange membrane based on polybenzimidazole doped with phosphoric acid, with an operating temperature range $120$–$200^{\circ}$C. At temperatures near the lower limit of the operating range, the metal hydride utilization cycle appears preferable to the traditional Rankine cycle.