JP2002122294A - Hydrogen storage alloy tank and method of storing and discharging hydrogen - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology of quickly and precisely storing and discharging hydrogen with using a hydrogen storage alloy tank. SOLUTION: This tank is a MH tank 101 including a MH formed body 111 storing and discharging hydrogen through heat exchange, a heat exchange means 131 exchanging heat with the MH formed body 111, and a hydrogen circulating means 151 circulating hydrogen with the MH formed body 111. The MH formed body 111 includes a formed part formed from MH powder and a heat transfer part connected to the formed part as one body on a surface facing to the heat exchange means 131.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hydrogen storage / release technique, and more particularly to a hydrogen storage alloy tank and a hydrogen storage / release method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Hydrogen has attracted attention as a clean energy source along with solar heat. As means for storing or transporting hydrogen, attention has been paid to the use of a hydrogen storage alloy that stores and releases hydrogen. As a specific technique, there is known a technique in which a hydrogen storage alloy is filled in a hydrogen storage alloy tank, hydrogen is stored in the hydrogen storage alloy in the tank for storage and transport, and hydrogen is extracted from the tank and used. Have been. An example of the prior art relating to such a hydrogen storage alloy tank is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 9-142801. This hydrogen storage alloy tank has a plurality of hydrogen storage alloy molded bodies, and a hydrogen gas permeable sheet disposed between adjacent hydrogen storage alloy molded bodies supplies hydrogen to the hydrogen storage alloy molded bodies. ing.

[0003] Incidentally, the hydrogen storage alloy has the property of absorbing hydrogen by removing heat from the hydrogen storage alloy and conversely releasing the stored hydrogen by applying heat. Therefore, how to efficiently heat and cool the hydrogen-absorbing alloy is an important key to quickly perform hydrogen storage or hydrogen release. Regarding this point, the above-mentioned prior art does not disclose any technical study on the heat conduction characteristics from the heat exchange means to the hydrogen storage alloy molded body.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a technique capable of storing and releasing hydrogen quickly and accurately using a hydrogen storage alloy tank.

[0005]

Means for Solving the Problems The inventions described in the respective claims are configured to solve the above-mentioned problems. According to the first aspect of the present invention, a hydrogen storage alloy tank having a hydrogen storage alloy molded body, heat exchange means, and hydrogen distribution means is configured. The hydrogen storage alloy compact stores and releases hydrogen via heat exchange. In general, a hydrogen storage alloy has the property of absorbing hydrogen under given pressure and temperature conditions by absorbing heat, and releasing the absorbed hydrogen by application of heat. The heat exchanging means exchanges heat with the hydrogen storage alloy formed body having such characteristics. Further, the hydrogen circulating means supplies hydrogen to the hydrogen storage alloy molded body having such characteristics, or extracts hydrogen from the hydrogen storage alloy molded body. Specifically, the heat exchange means removes heat from the hydrogen storage alloy molded article, and the hydrogen distribution means supplies hydrogen to the hydrogen storage alloy molded article, whereby the hydrogen storage alloy molded article stores hydrogen. The heat exchanging means gives heat to the hydrogen-absorbing alloy compact that has absorbed hydrogen, and thereby the hydrogen flowing means takes out the hydrogen released from the hydrogen-absorbing alloy compact.

[0006] The hydrogen storage alloy molded body has a molded part and a heat transfer part. The forming part is formed from a powdery hydrogen storage alloy. For example, it is preferable that the powder is press-sintered, or the powder is mixed with a binder and pressed to be formed. On the surface of the molding section facing the heat exchange means, the heat transfer section is integrally connected to the molding section. Therefore, heat exchange between the heat exchanging means and the hydrogen storage alloy compact is performed quickly and effectively through the heat transfer section.

[0007] (Invention of claim 2) In view of quickly performing heat exchange between the heat exchange means and the hydrogen-absorbing alloy molded body by the heat transfer part, the heat transfer part is a heat transfer fin directed to the heat exchange means. It is preferable to have the following configuration (corresponding to the invention described in claim 2). Such heat transfer fins are preferably formed of a metal having relatively good thermal conductivity, such as copper and aluminum, and are also preferably formed while appropriately mixing a hydrogen storage alloy and another good heat conductive material. When the heat transfer fins are formed by mixing a hydrogen storage alloy, the heat transfer fins themselves have the property of storing and releasing hydrogen, and when hydrogen is stored, the heat transfer fins themselves also undergo a predetermined volume expansion. . As the arrangement of the heat transfer fins, the heat transfer fins may be arranged entirely and continuously on the surface of the forming section facing the heat exchange means, or may be arranged intermittently at predetermined intervals.

(The invention according to claim 3) In the hydrogen-absorbing alloy molded body, when the molded portion (the heat-transfer portion is formed of a hybrid hydrogen-absorbing alloy, the molded portion and the heat-transfer portion) absorb hydrogen. It is preferable to form a space portion corresponding to the expansion of the airbag (corresponding to the third aspect of the present invention). This prevents the hydrogen storage alloy tank from receiving an excessively high stress from the inside when the hydrogen storage alloy molded body expands.

(Invention of claim 4) Further, it is preferable that the heat transfer section is integrally connected to the forming section along the shape of the space section (corresponding to the invention of claim 4). With this configuration, even in the portion where the space is formed, the heat from the heat exchange means can be directly and reliably transferred to the forming portion by the heat transfer portion, and the absorption and release of hydrogen are performed quickly and reliably. Will be. Here, when the molded part expands so as to absorb hydrogen and crush the space part, the heat transfer part provided along the shape of the space part is arranged inside the expanded molded part. It is more preferable to configure.
Thus, when heat is applied from the heat exchange means to the hydrogen storage alloy formed body via the heat transfer section, the heat is quickly transmitted to the inside of the formed section.

(Invention of Claim 5) At least when the hydrogen-absorbing alloy compact absorbs hydrogen and expands through the space, the heat transfer section and the heat exchange means are in close contact with each other. Is preferable (corresponding to the invention described in claim 5).
As a result, the heat transfer section comes into close contact with the heat exchange means, and direct heat conduction can be performed from the heat exchange means to the hydrogen storage alloy molded body via the heat transfer section. Such a configuration can be applied to both cases where hydrogen is stored in the hydrogen storage alloy compact and where hydrogen is released. In particular, in consideration of the responsiveness when extracting hydrogen from the hydrogen storage alloy, the heat transfer unit and the heat exchange means are in close contact with each other at least when the hydrogen storage alloy compact absorbs hydrogen and expands. Is preferred. Such a configuration is particularly suitably used for a hydrogen storage alloy tank for a vehicle, which is required to quickly and accurately extract hydrogen as needed. In order for the heat transfer section to come into close contact with the heat exchange means, it is desirable that the heat transfer section be made of a material that can be deformed when the hydrogen storage alloy molded product expands.

(Invention of Claim 6) In the above-mentioned hydrogen storage alloy tank, a hydrogen storage alloy compact is disposed between a pair of heat exchange means, and a hydrogen circulation means is disposed inside the molding part. Preferably, it has a structure (corresponding to the invention of claim 6). With such a configuration, it is possible to rationally secure the heat transfer region and the hydrogen circulation region of the hydrogen storage alloy molded body, which contributes to quick and accurate storage and release of hydrogen.

(Invention of claim 7) In the invention of claim 7, a hydrogen storage alloy molded body in which a molded portion and a heat transfer portion are integrally connected, and a hydrogen storage having a heat exchange means A method for storing and releasing hydrogen using an alloy tank is configured. In this method, the step of supplying hydrogen to the hydrogen storage alloy molded body together with the heat absorption by the heat exchange means, and the step of absorbing the hydrogen to expand the hydrogen storage alloy molded body, so that the heat transfer portion is brought into close contact with the heat exchange means. The method includes the steps of contacting, and applying heat to the hydrogen-absorbing alloy molded body via the heat transfer portion in close contact with the heat exchange means, thereby extracting hydrogen from the hydrogen-absorbing alloy molded body. In this method, the hydrogen storage alloy molded article absorbs hydrogen and expands, and the heat transfer section is brought into close contact with the heat exchange means. Therefore, the heat storage section is directly connected to the hydrogen storage alloy molded article via the heat transfer section. Heat conduction is performed. Accordingly, the responsiveness of extracting hydrogen from the hydrogen storage alloy is improved.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the hydrogen storage alloy is also described as “MH” for convenience. As shown in FIG. 1, the MH tank 101 includes a tank shell 103 and a filling portion 10 in the tank shell 103.
5, the MH molded body 111, the heat exchange means 131,
And a hydrogen circulation unit 151.

As shown in FIG. 2, the MH molding 111 is
A hydrogen flow path 153 (hydrogen flow means 151) is disposed between the pair of heat exchange means 131 and substantially in the center thereof.
Is arranged.

[0015] The heat exchange means 131 has a porous tube 1 therein.
33 are provided. The porous tube 133 is a member that functions as a heat transfer tube through which a heat medium flows.

The MH molding 111 has an MH molding section 113 and heat transfer fins 115. The MH molding unit 113
It is molded from MH powder and corresponds to the “molded part” in the present invention. The MH molding section 113 is obtained by press-sintering the MH powder or by press-molding after mixing a binder with the MH powder.

The heat transfer fins 115 are formed of a good heat transfer metal such as copper or aluminum, and are formed on the surface of the MH forming section 113 facing the heat exchange means 131.
It is a member integrally connected to the H forming portion 113, and corresponds to the “heat transfer portion” in the present invention. As described later, a configuration in which a hydrogen storage alloy is mixed in the heat transfer fins 115 is also possible, but in the present embodiment, the heat transfer fins 115 are formed only of a good heat transfer metal. If the heat transfer fins 115 are formed of a mixture of a good heat transfer metal and a hydrogen storage alloy, the heat transfer fins 115 themselves will also absorb hydrogen and expand in volume under predetermined conditions.

The hydrogen circulating means 151 is configured as a plate-like filter provided with a hydrogen flow channel 153.

The MH molded body 111 has a plurality of recesses 117 on the surface facing the heat exchange means 131. Specifically, a plurality of concave spaces are formed on the side surface of the heat exchange means 131 of the MH molding section 113, and the heat transfer fins 115 connected to the MH molding section 113 are arranged along the surface shape of the connection to the MH molding section 113. I do. Thereby, the plurality of recesses 117 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are formed in the MH molded body 111. The recess 117 corresponds to a “space” in the present invention. Due to the recesses 117, particularly, the surface of the MH molded body 111 before hydrogen storage, which faces the heat exchange means, is formed with a part directly contacting the heat exchange means 131 via the heat transfer fins 115 and a part not contacting. Will be.

When the MH tank 101 is applied to, for example, an electric vehicle equipped with a fuel cell, hydrogen gas
A mode in which fuel is directly taken out of the tank 101 or hydrogen is produced from methanol using a reformer,
The MH tank 10 serves as a storage buffer for the generated hydrogen.
1 and the like. In any case, it is possible to suitably use the MH tank 101 in the present embodiment.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to a method of storing and releasing hydrogen using an MH tank. First, the step of storing hydrogen in the MH tank 101 will be described. M shown in FIGS. 1 and 2
In order to cool the H compact 111, a heat medium is circulated in the porous tube 133 in the heat exchange means 131. As a result, the MH molded body 111 in the MH tank
The heat will be deprived through. Further, hydrogen gas is supplied to the MH molded body 111 via the hydrogen flowing means 151.

Hydrogen storage alloys generally have the property of absorbing hydrogen by depriving heat and releasing the stored hydrogen by application of heat. Therefore, the above MH
By cooling and supplying hydrogen to the compact 111, the MH
The compact 111 absorbs the supplied hydrogen. The pressure and temperature conditions at the time of hydrogen storage are appropriately determined according to the composition of the hydrogen storage alloy used for the MH compact 111. In addition, a hydrogen storage alloy generally has the property of expanding its volume by storing hydrogen. Therefore, the MH molded body 111 absorbs hydrogen,
An attempt is made to expand in the H tank 101. At this time, a large number of recesses 117 formed in the MH molded body 111 are crushed to absorb the expansion of the MH molded body 111. The result is shown in FIG.

In FIG. 3, the MH molded body 111 (the MH molded portion 113) expanded by absorbing hydrogen is provided with the concave portion 117.
FIG. 2 shows a state where the heat transfer fins 115 are squashed and the heat transfer fins 115 are in close contact with the heat exchange means 131. Further, since the heat transfer fins 115 are connected along the surface of the MH forming portion 113, when the MH formed body 111 expands while crushing the recess 117, as shown in FIG. 115 a will be located inside the MH molding section 113. Through the above steps, the MH tank 101 stores hydrogen.

Next, a process of releasing and extracting the stored hydrogen from the MH tank 101 will be described. In order to extract the stored hydrogen, the characteristics of the above-described hydrogen storage alloy, that is, the characteristics of releasing the stored hydrogen by applying heat, are used. Then, in order to heat the MH compact 111 in the state shown in FIG. 3, a heat medium is circulated in the porous tube 133 in the heat exchange means 131. Thereby, heat is given to the MH molded body 111 via the heat exchange means 131. The temperature and pressure conditions for releasing the stored hydrogen are appropriately determined according to the composition of the hydrogen storage alloy used in the MH compact 111.

As described above, the hydrogen-absorbing alloy has the property of releasing absorbed hydrogen when heat is applied (heated). Therefore, the heating step for the MH compact 111 Releases the stored hydrogen. The hydrogen circulating means 151 captures the released hydrogen, takes it out of the MH tank, and provides it for subsequent use.

For example, when the MH tank 101 is used as a hydrogen supply source for an electric vehicle equipped with a fuel cell, in order to reliably and continuously generate power, it is necessary not only to reliably extract hydrogen but also to meet demands such as driving conditions. It is necessary to quickly extract hydrogen accordingly. In order to quickly and surely extract hydrogen from the MH tank 101, it is necessary to quickly and surely release the stored hydrogen from the MH molded body 111. For that purpose, heat is quickly and reliably applied to the entire MH molded body 111 ( Heating).

As described above, the heat transfer fins 115
3 is in close contact with the heat exchange means 131 in the state shown in FIG. 3, and the leg 115a is
13 is located in the inner part. Therefore, the heat supplied from the heat medium in the porous tube 133 to the MH molded body 111 is quickly and reliably transmitted to the entire MH molded part 113 via the heat transfer fins 115 (and the leg parts 115a). Become.
As a result, hydrogen can be rapidly released from the MH molded body 111, so that it is possible to reliably respond to, for example, a request for increasing the amount of hydrogen supplied from a fuel cell or the like. Through the above steps, hydrogen is extracted from the MH tank 101.

FIG. 4 shows the relationship among the number of heat transfer fins 115, the heat transfer performance, and the volume of the filling portion in the present embodiment.
In FIG. 4, both the heat transfer performance and the filling section volume are compared with the case where MH powder is used as the hydrogen storage means. In particular, as for the filling part volume, the filling part volume when the MH powder is used is set to 100, so that the part exceeding the filling part volume in the MH powder (the filling part volume is 100%
Over the graph) appears on the graph.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the heat transfer fins are not provided, the filling portion volume is improved by an amount corresponding to the heat transfer fin volume (about 105%), but the heat transfer characteristic is about 34%. It turned out to be considerable. In contrast,
As the number of heat transfer fins is increased, the volume of the filled portion is reduced by that amount, but the heat transfer characteristics are improved.
And about 20 per tube (heat exchange means)
When the heat transfer fins are arranged, both the filling portion volume and the heat transfer performance are about 100%. In particular, the heat transfer performance reached nearly three times that of the case without the heat transfer fins. In addition, when the filling portion volume of the MH molding portion is 100%, which is equivalent to the filling portion volume of the MH powder, actually,
The MH compact can have a substantially higher packing density than the MH powder. This is because, in the case of MH powder, it is affected by unevenness of filling or consolidation due to vibration, whereas in the case of MH compact, such a problem is hard to occur.

According to the present embodiment, heat transfer fins 115
Are integrally connected to the MH molding section 113, and heat exchange between the heat exchange means 131 and the MH molded body 111 can be quickly and reliably performed via the heat transfer fins 115.

Further, since the concave portion 117 is formed in the MH molded body 111 corresponding to the expansion at the time of storing hydrogen, the MH tank 1 is expanded when the MH molded body 111 expands by absorbing hydrogen.
01 is prevented from receiving an excessively high stress from the inside.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, since the heat transfer fin 115 and the heat exchange means 131 have a portion in close contact before and after hydrogen storage, the MH molded body is used in the hydrogen storage / release step. When performing heat exchange with respect to 111, direct and rapid heat exchange between the heat exchange means 131 and the MH molded body 111 can be performed via the heat transfer fins 115. In particular, as shown in FIG.
When the H compact 111 absorbs hydrogen and expands through the recess 117, the heat transfer fins 115 are configured to be in close contact with the heat exchange means 131 as a whole.
When extracting hydrogen from the H tank 101, the MH compact 11 is transferred from the heat exchange means 131 through the heat transfer fin 115.
1 can be directly and rapidly conducted. Therefore, a configuration that is particularly excellent in responsiveness when extracting hydrogen from the MH tank 101 is obtained.

The heat transfer fins 115 are provided with the concave portions 11.
Since the heat transfer fins 115 are integrally connected to the MH forming portion 113 along the shape of the MH forming portion 7, the heat transfer fins 115 can be located inside the MH forming portion 113. Thereby, the heat exchange between the heat exchange means 131 and the MH compact 111 via the heat transfer fins 115 can be reliably performed.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, an MH tank and a method capable of storing and releasing hydrogen quickly and accurately are provided. By the way, with respect to each configuration mode in the embodiment, various modifications can be configured. For example, in a state shown in FIG. 3, that is, in a state where the MH molded body 111 has absorbed hydrogen,
Although the heat transfer fins 115 are in contact with the heat exchange means 131 entirely, a configuration may be employed in which a part of the heat transfer fins 115 does not contact the heat exchange means 131 as long as the heat transfer characteristics do not deteriorate. In particular, the MH molded body 111
In the case where the volume of the MH molded body 111 increases as the storage is repeated when the storage and release of hydrogen are repeatedly performed, a configuration in which the volume increase is absorbed by the portion not in contact with the heat exchange means 131 is possible. It is.

In the above-described hydrogen flow means 151, the hydrogen flow path 153 is formed of a plate-like filter body. However, the hydrogen flow path is formed into a cylindrical shape as long as the hydrogen flow rate at the time of storing and releasing hydrogen can be ensured. And the like.

In the above embodiment, the MH molded body 1
Although hydrogen has been supplied and expanded after arranging the MH 11 in the MH tank 101, the MH molded body 111 may be arranged in the MH tank 101 after being expanded in advance. in this case,
It is preferable to fill the inside of the MH tank 101 with an inert gas so that the alloy activated by absorbing hydrogen is not poisoned by air (oxygen).

The heat transfer fin 1 according to the present embodiment
Various modifications can be made to the fifteen configuration.
(First Modification Regarding Heat Transfer Fins) First, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, various types of heat transfer fins that come into contact with the heat exchange means 131 before the storage of hydrogen are used. A modification configured by the following is possible. In any case, a reasonable configuration of the MH molded body can be obtained.

In FIG. 5, the inverted U-shaped heat transfer fins 215 are integrally connected to the MH molding section 213 to form the MH molded body 21.
1, and the heat transfer fins 215 are arranged apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

In FIG. 6, the inverted L-shaped heat transfer fins 315 are integrally connected to the MH forming section 313 to form the MH formed body 31.
1, and the heat transfer fins 315 are arranged apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

In FIG. 7, the T-shaped heat transfer fins 415 are M
The MH molded body 41 integrally connected to the H molded portion 413
1, and the heat transfer fins 415 are arranged apart from each other by a predetermined distance. Although the volume increase of the MH molded bodies 211, 311 and 411 in each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 during expansion is not particularly shown in the drawings, a space is appropriately formed at a predetermined position of the MH molded bodies 211, 311 and 411. And absorb it.

(Second Modification Regarding Heat Transfer Fin) Secondly, a heat transfer fin of a type that does not come into contact with the heat exchange means 131 before absorbing hydrogen is formed in a shape as shown in FIG. Modifications are possible. In FIG. 8, the heat transfer fins 515 extending in parallel with the heat exchange means 131 are M
The MH molded body 511 is integrally connected to the H molded portion 513,
Is configured.

(Further Modification Regarding Heat Transfer Fin) Further, a modification in which the leg portion of the heat transfer fin extends inward of the MH forming portion is also possible. FIG. 9 shows a further modification of the heat transfer fin shown in FIG. FIG. 10 shows a further modification of the heat transfer fin shown in FIG. 9 and 10, the heat transfer fins 415a and 415
The MH forming section 41 is extended from the base 5a to the MH forming sections 413 and 513 through the legs 415b and 515b extending inward.
Heat can be exchanged more quickly with the inner part of the 3 513. Of course, from the viewpoint of quick heat exchange,
It is possible to appropriately set conditions for length and sequence frequency.

[0043]

According to the present invention, there is provided a technique capable of storing and releasing hydrogen quickly and accurately using a hydrogen storage alloy tank.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an MH tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of an MH tank showing a detailed structure of an MH molded body.

FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of the MH tank showing a state in which the MH compact has expanded due to hydrogen storage.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the results of heat transfer capacity and the like in the MH tank.

FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of an MH tank according to a modified example.

FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of an MH tank according to a modification.

FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view of an MH tank according to a modification.

FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view of an MH tank according to a modification.

FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view of an MH tank according to a further modification.

FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view of an MH tank according to a further modification.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 MH tank 103 Tank shell 105 Filling section 111 MH molded body 113 MH molding section 115 Heat transfer fin 117 Depression 131 Heat exchange means 133 Perforated pipe 151 Hydrogen flow means 153 Hydrogen flow path

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Hideto Kubo 2-1-1 Toyota-cho, Kariya-shi, Aichi Prefecture Inside Toyota Industries Corporation (72) Inventor Keiji Fuji 2-1-1, Toyota-cho, Kariya-shi, Aichi Co., Ltd. Inside Toyoda Automatic Loom Works (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Mitsui 41, Chuchu-Yokomichi, Oku-cho, Nagakute-machi, Aichi-gun, Aichi Prefecture Inside Toyota Central Research Laboratory Co., Ltd. 41 No. 1 F-term in Toyota Central Research Laboratory, Inc. (reference) 3E072 AA03 EA10 3L093 NN05 RR01 4G040 AA12 AA16 AA32 4G140 AA12 AA16 AA32 5H027 BA14

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A hydrogen storage alloy compact for storing and releasing hydrogen via heat exchange, heat exchange means for performing heat exchange between the hydrogen storage alloy compact, and a hydrogen storage alloy compact. A hydrogen storage alloy tank having a hydrogen distribution means for flowing hydrogen between the hydrogen storage alloy tank, wherein the hydrogen storage alloy compact is a molded part molded from hydrogen storage alloy powder, and a surface of the molded part facing the heat exchange means. 3. The hydrogen storage alloy tank according to claim 1, further comprising: a heat transfer portion integrally connected to the molded portion. 2. The hydrogen storage alloy tank according to claim 1, wherein said heat transfer section has heat transfer fins toward said heat exchange means. 3. The hydrogen storage alloy tank according to claim 1, wherein a space corresponding to expansion when the formed portion absorbs hydrogen is formed in the hydrogen storage alloy molded body. A hydrogen storage alloy tank. 4. The hydrogen storage alloy tank according to claim 3, wherein the heat transfer section is integrally connected to the molding section along the shape of the space section. Alloy tank. 5. The hydrogen storage alloy tank according to claim 3, wherein the heat transfer section is configured to perform the heat exchange when at least the molded section absorbs hydrogen and expands through the space. A hydrogen storage alloy tank which is in close contact with the means. 6. The hydrogen storage alloy tank according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogen storage alloy compact is disposed between a pair of heat exchanging means, and the hydrogen circulation is performed. A hydrogen-absorbing alloy tank, wherein means is provided in the forming part. 7. A hydrogen storage alloy molded article in which at least a molded part molded from a hydrogen storage alloy powder and a heat transfer part connected to the molded part are integrally connected to each other, and A method for storing and releasing hydrogen using a hydrogen storage alloy tank having heat exchange means, comprising: supplying hydrogen to the hydrogen storage alloy molded body together with heat absorption by the heat exchange means; and A step of bringing the heat transfer section into close contact with the heat exchange means by absorbing and expanding hydrogen, and the heat exchange section through the heat transfer section in close contact with the heat exchange means. Applying heat to the hydrogen-absorbing alloy compact to thereby extract hydrogen from the hydrogen-absorbing alloy compact.