Numerical simulation study on the leakage and diffusion characteristics of high-pressure hydrogen gas in different spatial scenes

Abstract

This paper presents a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model for simulating high-pressure hydrogen leakage and diffusion. The model incorporates heat exchange during hydrogen leakage diffusion and the real gas equation of state in high-pressure conditions. The CFD model can provide superior predictions of pressure, temperature, hydrogen density, and mass flow rate within the hydrogen storage cylinder changes during high-pressure hydrogen leakage compared to existing models. Moreover, the model validated by experimental data enables simulation of the spatiotemporal evolution law of hydrogen concentration and the change of the combustible region in space following a high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder leak in various spatial scenarios. It can also determine the safe distance after the hydrogen leakage and simulate the impact of the hydrogen leakage on the surrounding environment in terms of temperature, pressure and other physical factors. Furthermore, the model is applicable for simulating the leakage and diffusion behavior of high-pressure hydrogen in various leakage conditions. This capability helps researchers understand the characteristics of high-pressure hydrogen leakage and diffusion, and further study the phenomenological evolution law of hydrogen safety accidents, so as to formulate emergency response strategies.