Innovative Approaches to Enhance Metal Hydride Reactors and Roadway Embankment Stabilization in arctic regions
Energy storage and infrastructure technologies continue to evolve at a rapid pace, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable and efficient solutions. V.K. Kukkapalli, a renowned researcher in the field, has recently published a series of groundbreaking papers that explore optimization techniques for metal hydride reactors and roadway embankment stabilization. These studies promise significant advancements in the domains of hydrogen energy storage and permafrost engineering.
In one of his earlier works, titled “Optimization of Internal Cooling Fins for Metal Hydride Reactors,” published in Energies 2016, Kukkapalli focuses on improving the efficiency of metal hydride reactors through enhanced internal cooling fins. Metal hydride reactors are crucial for hydrogen energy storage, as they facilitate rapid hydrogen absorption and desorption. By optimizing the design of the cooling fins, Kukkapalli successfully improves the heat transfer rate within the reactor, resulting in faster and more efficient hydrogen absorption.
Building upon this initial research, Kukkapalli further delves into metal hydride reactor design optimization in his paper published in Key Engineering Materials 2016. Here, he explores various factors influencing reactor performance, such as pressure, temperature, and the composition of metal hydrides. By leveraging optimization techniques, he identifies optimal operating conditions that maximize the storage capacity and efficiency of metal hydride reactors. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of more advanced and reliable hydrogen storage systems.
Beyond the realm of hydrogen energy storage, Kukkapalli’s research extends to the stabilization of roadway embankments on permafrost, a pressing concern in arctic regions. In his work published in April 2019 in the IOP Conference Series, Material Science and Engineering, Kukkapalli introduces the use of thermosyphons with Y-shaped evaporators for this purpose. By employing this innovative technique, he demonstrates effective heat transfer and cooling of roadway embankments, mitigating the adverse effects of thawing permafrost. This breakthrough offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for maintaining stable infrastructure in cold regions.
In his latest work, published in Energies 2023, Kukkapalli provides a comprehensive review of thermal management techniques in metal hydrides for hydrogen storage applications. This review consolidates the advancements made in the field, encompassing various cooling methods, such as air, liquid, and phase change cooling. By analyzing the advantages and limitations of each technique, Dr. Kukkapalli offers valuable insights for researchers and engineers striving to optimize metal hydride reactor systems.
Mr. V.K. Kukkapalli’s research demonstrates his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of energy storage and infrastructure optimization. Through his groundbreaking studies, he not only enhances the efficiency and performance of metal hydride reactors for hydrogen storage but also provides innovative solutions for roadway embankment stabilization in permafrost regions. These significant contributions lay the groundwork for a more sustainable and resilient future, where clean energy storage and infrastructure thrive.
New construct design for Metal Hydride Reactor: Two level fin design with 6 long and 6 short fins.
Surface temperature (K) profile for second bifurcation for Y shaped tree architecture thermosyphon design for arctic roadway embankment model.
Mr. Kukkapalli and colleagues published their study in below journals:
Kukkapalli, V.K., Kim, JH. & Kim, S. Optimum design of thermosyphon evaporators for roadway embankment stabilization in the arctic regions. J Mech Sci Technol 35, 4757–4764 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-021-0941-1
Vamsi Kukkapalli and Sunwoo Kim 2019 IOP Conf. Ser.: Mater. Sci. Eng. 507 012017 DOI 10.1088/1757-899X/507/1/012017
Kukkapalli, V.K.; Kim, S. Optimization of Internal Cooling Fins for Metal Hydride Reactors. Energies 2016, 9, 447. https://doi.org/10.3390/en9060447
Kukkapalli, V.K.; Kim, S.; Thomas, S.A. Thermal Management Techniques in Metal Hydrides for Hydrogen Storage Applications: A Review. Energies 2023, 16, 3444. https://doi.org/10.3390/en16083444
For additional information, contact Vamsi Krishna Kukkapalli, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.