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Efficient cooling strategies for liquid hydrogen pipelines: A comparative analysis

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  • Zhu, Shaolong
  • Fang, Song
  • Bao, Shiran
  • Zhi, Xiaoqin
  • Wang, Kai
  • Qiu, Limin

Abstract

Liquid hydrogen (LH2) stands out for its high energy density, efficient transportation, and safe low-pressure storage. However, the challenge lies in achieving rapid cooling of LH2 pipelines while minimizing hydrogen loss. This paper introduces a robust three-dimensional model for simulating the unsteady-state heat transfer and the gas-liquid two-phase flow within LH2 pipelines. Throughout the cooling cycle, the pipe undergoes transitions in flow patterns, including stratified smooth flow, wavy flow, and intermittent flow, in which wavy flow dominates due to the extremely low liquid-to-gas density ratio of hydrogen. A comprehensive comparative analysis is conducted for three cooling modes: constant flow, variable flow, and pulsing flow. Finally, an evaluative framework for distinct pipeline cooling modes has been proposed. A reasonable variable flow cooling mode exhibits certain advantages in both cooling time and liquid hydrogen consumption when compared with the constant flow cooling mode, and the pulse flow cooling method adeptly capitalizes on the performance benefits derived from intermittent flow. Specifically, within the cooling range of 40 K–20 K, it substantially economizes liquid hydrogen consumption (15%–20 %), albeit concomitant with an extended total cooling time (40%–60 %). This study can offer theoretical insights to guide the high-efficiency cooling of liquid hydrogen pipelines.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhu, Shaolong & Fang, Song & Bao, Shiran & Zhi, Xiaoqin & Wang, Kai & Qiu, Limin, 2024. "Efficient cooling strategies for liquid hydrogen pipelines: A comparative analysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 236(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:236:y:2024:i:c:s0960148124015568
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2024.121488
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Qiu, Guoyi & Zhu, Shaolong & Wang, Kai & Wang, Weibo & Hu, Junhui & Hu, Yun & Zhi, Xiaoqin & Qiu, Limin, 2023. "Numerical study on the dynamic process of reciprocating liquid hydrogen pumps for hydrogen refueling stations," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 281(C).
    2. Naquash, Ahmad & Riaz, Amjad & Qyyum, Muhammad Abdul & Aziz, Muhammad & Assareh, Ehsanolah & Lee, Moonyong, 2023. "Liquid hydrogen storage and regasification process integrated with LNG, NGL, and liquid helium production," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 213(C), pages 165-175.
    3. Zheng, Jianpeng & Chen, Liubiao & Liu, Xuming & Zhu, Honglai & Zhou, Yuan & Wang, Junjie, 2020. "Thermodynamic optimization of composite insulation system with cold shield for liquid hydrogen zero-boil-off storage," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 147(P1), pages 824-832.
    4. Pashchenko, Dmitry, 2024. "Green hydrogen as a power plant fuel: What is energy efficiency from production to utilization?," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 223(C).
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    1. Tuo, Zhonglan & Wang, Zhaohui & Xia, Haishan & Wang, Nianxian & Zheng, Zhengding & Zhang, Bowen & Bao, Rongqing & Yang, Qianwen, 2026. "Performance and energy efficiency of single and multi-coolant pre-cooling strategies in liquid hydrogen pipeline cooling systems," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PD).

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