“Abstract

Hydrogen refuelling is imperative for the emerging market of hydrogen vehicles. The pressure control valve (PCV) at the hydrogen refuelling station (HRS) plays a major role in ensuring that hydrogen delivery to the vehicle follows the prescribed refuelling protocols. A three-dimensional CFD model with a detailed resolution of PCV motion affecting heat and mass transfer is developed. The PCV motion controlling the mass flow rate is simulated using dynamic mesh. The CFD model captures refuelling from high-pressure tanks through entire HRS equipment to onboard tanks, capturing pressure and temperature changes upstream and downstream of the PCV. The Joule-Thomson effect resulting in a hydrogen temperature increase at PCV is captured using the NIST real gas database. The model is validated against Test No.1 of NREL on refuelling through the entire equipment of HRS. The CFD model can be used to design HRS equipment parameters, including PCV, and develop efficient refuelling protocols.”

 

Ebne-Abbasi, H., Makarov, D.  and Molkov, V. (2024) ‘Modelling of refuelling through the entire equipment of HRS: use of dynamic mesh to simulate heat and mass transfer during throttling at PCV’, Hydrogen Safety, 1(1), pp. 12–32.

The full report is accessible via: https://doi.org/10.58895/hysafe.4

“Abstract

An accurate determination of minimum ignition energy (MIE) is essential for assessing electrostatic hazards and characterising potential for occurrence of combustion in flammable mixtures. This is of utmost importance for hydrogen-air mixtures characterised by a MIE equal to 0.017 mJ, whereas conventional flammable gases are characterised by MIE typically higher than 0.1 mJ. The study aims at developing and validating a CFD three-dimensional model capable to simulate complex unsteady physical and chemical phenomena underlying capacitive discharge spark. The model accounts for the experimental apparatus details, including the effect of electrodes’ gap and associated heat losses. The numerical approach accurately reproduced the experimental measurements of MIE for mixtures of hydrogen with air at initial temperature ranging from ambient (T = 288 K) to cryogenic (T = 123 K). Hydrogen concentration in air was included in the range 10–55% for tests at T = 288 K, and 20–60% for tests at T = 173 K and 123 K respectively. Simulations assess the impact of experimental characteristics and design, such as the electrodes’ dimension, and numerical features on process dynamics, growth of the flame kernel and MIE predictions.”

 

Cirrone, D. et al. (2024) ‘Numerical Study of the spark ignition of hydrogen-air mixtures at ambient and cryogenic temperature’, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 79, pp. 353–363. doi:10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.06.362.

The full report is accessible via: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.06.362

“Abstract

There is pressure on the global shipping industry to move towards greener propulsion and fuel technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen and electricity are both recognised as pathways to achieve a net-zero. However, in the evaluation of the environmental performance of these alternative marine power configurations, conventional life cycle assessment (LCA) methods have limitations reflecting the varied nature of ship design and operational modes. The integration of LCA with experimental assessment could remedy the shortcoming of conventional approaches to data generation. The system energy demand data in this study was generated based on specific ship design and directly fed into life cycle assessment. To demonstrate the effectiveness and potential the approach was applied to a case study of inland waterway vessel. Suitable hybrid PV/electricity/diesel and hydrogen powered fuel cell systems for the case vessel were modelled; and hydrodynamic testing and dynamic system simulation was undertaken to provide ship performance data under various operational/environmental profiles. Lifecycle assessment (LCA) indicated hydrogen and electrical propulsion technologies have the potential for 85.7 % and 56.2 % emissions reduction against an MGO base case, respectively. The results highlight that implementation of both technologies is highly dependent on energy production pathways. Hydrogen systems reliant on fossil feedstocks risk an increase in emissions of up to 6.3 % against the MGO base case. Sensitivity analysis indicated an electrical system with electricity production from 79.5 % renewables could achieve savings of 82.2 % in GHG emissions compared to the MGO base case. Crucially, the results demonstrate a further development of the LCA approach which can enable a more accurate environmental performance evaluation of alternative marine power configurations considering specific ship design and operational characteristics. Ultimately this addition makes the results more meaningful for commercial operations and decision making in the selection of alternative marine power systems to support the transition to net-zero.”

 

Wang, Y. et al. (2024) ‘Modelling Environmental Life Cycle Performance of Alternative Marine Power Configurations with an Integrated Experimental Assessment Approach: A case study of an inland passenger barge’, Science of The Total Environment, 947, p. 173661. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173661.

Please use the DOI link above to access the full report.

For related publications please see Resources – UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub

“Abstract

The paper describes the breakthrough microleaks-no-burst (μLNB) safety technology of explosion free in fire self-venting hydrogen tanks that do not require thermally-activate pressure relief devices (TPRD). The technology implies melting of the hydrogen-tight liner before hydrogen-leaky double-composite wall loses its load-bearing ability. Hydrogen then flows through the wall’s microchannels and either burns in microflames on its own or together with resin. The experimental validation of the technology is presented for 7 prototypes with the nominal working pressure of 70 MPa made of carbon-carbon or carbon-glass composites. The prototypes are fire tested at the specific heat release rate HRR/A = 1 MW/m² characteristic for gasoline/diesel spill fires. The μLNB technology eliminates catastrophic consequences of tank rupture in fire: blast waves, fireballs, and projectiles. The technology limits hydrogen accumulation in naturally ventilated enclosures. It reduces the risk of hydrogen-powered vehicles to an acceptable level below that for fossil fuel automobiles, including underground parking and tunnels. It provides an unprecedented level of life safety and property protection.”

Molkov V, Kashkarov S, Makarov D. Breakthrough safety technology of explosion free in fire self-venting (TPRD-less) tanks: The concept and validation of the microleaks-no-burst technology for carbon-carbon and carbon-glass double-composite wall hydrogen storage systems. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Volume 48, Issue 86, 22 October 2023, Pages 33774-33785.

The full publication is accessible via: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360319923024448