Previously, the best material for H2 storage is N-ethylcarbazole, which has very nice features for H2 flow and H2 release. But the key disadvantage of this material is its high melting point, i.e. this material keeps in solid state under normal temperature. The ideal material should have low melting point, so it can be in liquid state under normal temperature, hence easy for transportation, e.g. transportation via pipe.
The key breakthrough done by the Chinese scientists is that they find better material with lower melting point (-20 degrees Celsius), while still keeping very nice H2 flow and release features.
Regarding the cooling fans you mentioned, my guess is (just my guess, may not be fully correct): we need to heat the H2-storage material (heat it to 100~200 degrees Celsius) to make the H2 released. The cooling fans are maybe prepared for this.
Below is the bio of a scientist that joining the project. The bio mentioned the low melting point of the new material his team developed: -20 degrees Celsius
Hope the answer helpful.
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