Numerical analysis of the diffusion and explosion characteristics of hydrogen-air clouds in a plateau hydrogen refuelling station

Abstract

The investigation of hydrogen diffusion and explosion characteristics after accidental hydrogen leaks in hydrogen refuelling stations can provide the theoretical reference of the safe application of hydrogen refuelling stations. The numerical study analyses the effects of plateau environment on the dispersion and explosion characteristics of combustible clouds, visualises the diffusion and explosion process of hydrogen-air combustible clouds and quantifies the hydrogen concentration and explosion pressure at monitoring points. Results show that combustible clouds may appear upstream of the leak hole due to the presence of obstacles. The low atmospheric pressure conditions in the plateau areas result in high hydrogen concentration near the blast wall and large combustible cloud size. The hydrogen concentration near the blast wall and combustible cloud volume are also shown a positive correlation with air temperature, which will be detrimental to fire protection in hydrogen refuelling stations. After the explosion of the hydrogen clouds, the mortality zone (explosion overpressure ≥0.69 bar) is observed near the blast wall and at high leak volumes, the hazardous zone (0.07 bar ≤ explosion overpressure ≤0.69 bar) may spread over the blast wall into the crowded area. However, the blast wall blocks the development of the high-temperature zone, which has a positive effect on preventing the spread of the explosion flame. An examination of the pressure monitoring point data reveals that there appears to be an opposite effect of atmospheric pressure on the positive and reverse overpressure. The maximum peak blast overpressure in calculated domain indicates that both higher air temperatures and atmospheric pressures promote the growth of explosion overpressure.