Liquid hydrogen refuelling at HRS: Description of sLH2 concept, modelling approach and results of numerical simulations
Vladimir Molkov, Hazhir Ebne-Abbasi, Dmitriy Makarov
Abstract
The paper considers the concept of efficient liquid hydrogen (LH2) refuelling at hydrogen refuelling stations (HRS), presents modelling approach and 3D transient CFD simulation results. The concept is based on the advantages of transforming hydrogen from equilibrium to a non-equilibrium sub-cooled state (sLH2) during compression at pump. The modelling approach comprises a thermodynamic model of LH2 transfer from the HRS tank to the pump exit and a two-phase CFD model from the pump exit through the HRS equipment, i.e. pipes with bends, automatic valve, breakaway, nozzle, and manifold to onboard storage tanks. Due to the absence of published experimental data, the modelling approach and simulations are verified against conceptual LH2 refuelling process available in the literature. The CFD model reproduces key LH2 refuelling parameters: flow rate, pressure, temperature dynamics, including non-uniform temperature in onboard tanks and predicts pipe cooldown from 88K to allowable temperatures corridor of 23.9–26.5 K. • The modelling approach of LH2 refuelling through HRS equipment is presented. • The thermodynamic model of LH2 transfer from HRS storage to pump exit is described. • The CFD model for LH2 refuelling from the pump exit to onboard storage is developed. • The CFD model encompasses all HRS components downstream of the pump. • The simulations are verified against the conceptual LH2 refuelling process dynamics.