CFD model of refuelling through the entire equipment of a hydrogen refuelling station

Abstract

This paper aims at the development and validation of a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model for simulations of the refuelling process through the entire equipment of the hydrogen refuelling station (HRS). The absence of such models hinders the design of inherently safer refuelling protocols for an arbitrary combination of HRS equipment, hydrogen storage parameters, and environmental conditions. The CFD model is validated against the complete process of refuelling lasting 195s in Test No.1 performed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The test equipment includes high-pressure tanks of HRS, pressure control valve (PCV), valves, pipes, breakaway, hose, and nozzle all the way up to three onboard tanks. The model accurately reproduced hydrogen temperature and pressure through the entire line of HRS equipment. A standout feature of the CFD model, distinguishing it from simplified models, is the capability to predict temperature non-uniformity in onboard tanks, a crucial factor with significant safety implications.