Numerical approach to analyze fluid flow in a type C tank for liquefied hydrogen carrier (part 2: Thermal flow)

Abstract

The present study aimed to analyze and compare vacuum insulation systems suitable for a type C liquid hydrogen storage tank. Multiphase thermal analysis was conducted via computational fluid dynamics, and experimental results for the boil-off rate (BOR) of a type C liquid nitrogen storage tank were obtained to verify the simulation technique. The simulation results showed a maximum error of 0.941 % compared to experimental results. Three insulation systems with superior thermal performance were selected and compared in a 3D system. The Vacuum+MLI Mylar-net insulation system showed the best thermal performance, with a result of 0.189 %/day. An analysis of the parts vulnerable to heat loss was conducted. These findings contribute to the development of high-performance insulation systems for the safe and economic transportation of liquid hydrogen. The study is an important resource for assessing insulation performance during the design phase and preventing local heat loss during operation.