“Abstract

This study investigates the fire resistance rating (FRR) of a conformable compressed hydrogen storage system (cCHSS) in realistic under-vehicle fire scenarios. Using validated 3D CFD and physical models, the FRR was shown to depend strongly on the fire’s heat release rate per unit area (HRR/A). Bare cCHSS exposed to a typical spill fire (HRR/A = 1 MW/m2) ruptured in 2 min 54 s, which is 2∼4 times shorter than the 6–12 min typical of standard tanks. A presence of metal casing increased the FRR up to fourfold, but only by 54 s (∼23 %) when direct contact occurred between metal casing and tank wall. The performance of self-venting tanks with microleaks-no-burst (μLNB) technology was demonstrated. These explosion-free tanks eliminate the need for TPRDs, as microleaks were triggered before structural failure, with leakage times between 18.5 and 28.5 min. The results support using TPRD-less cCHSS to increase hydrogen vehicle fire safety.”

 

Kashkarov S, Makarov D, Molkov V. Performance of standard and self-venting conformable compressed hydrogen storage systems in fire tests and incident car fire. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 2025;156:150407.

The full report is accessible via: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2025.150407

 

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