GASFLOW-MPI analysis on deflagration in full-scale hydrogen refueling station experiments: H2-air premixed cloud and high-pressure H2 jet

Abstract

Safety of the hydrogen refueling station under a postulated accident (e.g. leakage) is of great importance in hydrogen energy. The predictive CFD tool GASFLOW-MPI is utilized to simulate the full-scale hydrogen refueling station deflagration experiments with premixed H2-air cloud and high-pressure H2 jet. The overpressures are predicted for an ignition between two dispensers in the premixed trial and a spark in the engine bay in the jet trial, which agree with the experimental data and validate the GASFLOW-MPI as well. Five turbulent burning velocity models are involved to investigate the explosion of the premixed H2–air cloud. The Zimont correlation is recommended for the combustion simulation of engineering full-scale H2 refueling station. The turbulent flame speed is predicted after an ignition resulting in 50–200 m/s, and the flame acceleration happens due to the turbulence effect by obstacles. The developments of the pressure, temperature and H2 concentration of premixed H2-air deflagration, indicate the pressure wave propagates with the reflections on obstacles, and the flammable H2 cloud is enlarged by the push of combustion product.