Delivery of cold hydrogen in glass fiber composite pressure vessels

Abstract

We are proposing to minimize hydrogen delivery cost through utilization of glass fiber tube trailers at 200 K and 70 MPa to produce a synergistic combination of container characteristics with properties of hydrogen gas: (1) hydrogen cooled to 200 K is ∼35% more compact for a small increase in theoretical storage energy (exergy); and (2) these cold temperatures (200 K) strengthen glass fibers by as much as 50%, expanding trailer capacity without the use of much more costly carbon fiber composite vessels. Analyses based on US Department of Energy H2A cost and efficiency parameters and economic methodology indicate the potential for hydrogen delivery costs below $1/kg H 2. Dispensing cold hydrogen may also allow rapid refueling without overtemperatures and overpressures which are typically as high as 25%, simplifying automotive vessel design and improving safety while potentially reducing vessel weight and cost. Based on these results, we suggest hydrogen delivery by truck with trailers carrying hydrogen gas at pressures as high as 70 MPa, cooled to approximately 200 K in glass fiber vessels.