Deterministic risk assessment of hydrogen leak from a fuel cell truck in a real-scale hydrogen refueling station

Abstract

Deterministic risk assessment for hydrogen installations offers an integrated solution for H2 risk assessment, incorporating a hydrogen release model, a site-specific 3D geometry model, a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tool, and a consequence analysis methodology. Empirical engineering models expedite the preparation of source terms and harm evaluations, while CFD generates 3D contours of radiation and overpressure loads. A case study is provided by investigating a gaseous hydrogen leak of a truck in a refueling station with a large roof. The effects of leak diameters, roof configurations, and ignition locations on hydrogen dispersion, combustion, and hazard analysis are examined. Results indicate that the majority of the burnable cloud accumulates in a half-meter layer under the ceiling, diminishing within a minute. The impact of thermal radiation on individuals is insignificant, but overpressures increase the likelihood of structure failures, indirectly affecting human fatality. These findings inform the optimization of refueling station design and safety management.