Numerical Analysis of Liquid Hydrogen Evaporation in Transportation with Real-World Driving Scenario

Abstract

Liquid hydrogen (LH2) presents a promising solution for the storage of hydrogen energy. Yet, uncertainties persist regarding its thermodynamic behaviors, particularly under irregular velocity changes during real road transport, rather than the usual simplification as sinusoidal sloshing. This work employed a validated computational fluid dynamics model to investigate the dynamic response and evaporation of LH2 in a 40-foot ISO tank. Aligned with the Chinese standard GB/T 38146.2-2019, the research revealed the impact of varying speeds on ullage pressure during two transport scenarios, considering different fill levels and heat ingress. Key findings include insights into the temperature and pressure variations in periodical cycles, an energy flow chain analysis, and quadratic fitting equations for pressure. This research enhances our comprehension of dynamic response and LH2 evaporation, offering valuable guidance for active control strategies and enhancing the safety and efficiency of liquid hydrogen transportation across diverse road conditions.

Keywords: liquid hydrogen, dynamic evaporation, road transportation, transient driving cycle