INTRODUCTION TO THE HYDRIDE APPLICATIONS DATABASE

We have added a new database on hydride applications with particular emphasis on the gas phase applications, as opposed to electrochemical applications. The principal applications covered in this first release include those in the following nonexclusive matrix:

HYDROGEN STORAGE

• Stationary
• Mobile

• Battery
• Catalysis

• Separation
• Purification
• Gettering
• Isotope Separation
• Compression

• Heat Storage
• Heat Pumping
• Refrigeration
• Heat Engine/Actuator

• GETTERING, e.g., vacuum maintenance and inert gas purification
• ELECTROCHEMICAL - Batteries, e.g., Ni-MH secondary batteries
• MATERIALS PROCESSING, e.g., magnet powder processing
  

All three of these areas are rather large and will be hopefully included sometime in the future. We have no plans to include the complex and controversial application often termed "Cold Fusion."

Each Application Record is represented by a primary reference in the Reference Database, and occasionally additional references by the same organization. The application(s) associated with that reference are indicated, along with the hydriding alloy(s) used in the application(s) and the type(s) of study involved, i.e.:

• Theory/Modeling
• Conceptual
• Experimental
• Prototype
• Commercial
• Review

A DESIGN section lists the organization doing the work and a brief description of the hydride container and/or system design. A COMMENTS section gives a brief description of the study and sometimes lists other associated references in addition to the primary one.

The Applications and Reference Databases are not meant to be a substitute for direct and complete reading of the references. They are only convenient mechanisms to give you some preliminary indication as to what has been done in the past. You are urged to obtain, read, and interpret the original references for yourself. Although a best effort has been made, the abstracts in the Applications records should not be taken as necessarily correct or complete representations of the original reference. See the general Prudent Use of the Data that applies to all the Databases.

For your early use and convenience, we have chosen to put the Hydride Database on-line before it is complete. Of course it will never be 100% complete, but we intend to enlarge and update it with time. If the user notices applications references that are not included, we would be glad to hear of your suggestions for additions to the next update. Send your suggestions to Gary Sandrock.