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.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 33774-33785 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | International Journal of Hydrogen Energy |
Volume | 48 |
Issue number | 86 |
Early online date | 30 May 2023 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published online - 30 May 2023 |
Bibliographical note
Funding information:The research on explosion free in fire self-venting (TPRD-less) tanks was co-funded by the UK EPSRC grant “SUPERGEN Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Challenge: Safety Strategies for Onboard Hydrogen Storage Systems” (EP/K021109/1), Invest Northern Ireland (NI) grant Proof of Concept PoC 629 “Composite tank prototype for onboard compressed hydrogen storage based on novel leak-no-burst safety technology” and PoC Plus “Optimisation of explosion free in a fire composite cylinder to industrial requirements”, Invest NI Centre for Advanced Sustainable Energy (CASE) “Breakthrough safety technologies for hydrogen vessels from Northern Ireland”, Innovate UK Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition “Hydrogen Fuel Cell Range Extender”, Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking (now Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking) through the HyTunnel-CS “Pre-normative research for safety of hydrogen driven vehicles and transport through tunnels and similar confined spaces” and SH2APED “Storage of hydrogen: alternative pressure enclosure development” projects. The HyTunnel-CS project has received funding from the FCH2 JU under grant agreement No. 826193, and SH2APED project under grant agreement No. 101007182. This Joint Undertaking receives support from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, Hydrogen Europe, and Hydrogen Europe Research. The authors are grateful to tank manufacturers and testing laboratories around the globe who contributed to these developments.
Keywords
- Hydrogen
- Explosion free in fire double-composite tanks
- Fire test
- Fire resistance rating
- Microleaks-no-burst concept
- Self-venting (TPRD-Less) tanks