Abstract
This study describes a new vacuum insulation system, consisting of a flexible vacuum membrane and a load-transferring insulation layer comprising polyurethane foam (PUF), for large-scale LH2 storage tanks. The vacuum membrane has a novel corrugated geometry to accommodate in-plane displacements induced by the thermal contraction of the inner tank, whereas the PUF layer transfers the external pressure load acting on the outer membrane onto the inner tank. To demonstrate and validate the overall performance of the proposed vacuum insulation system during extreme cooling at − 253 °C, it is applied to a 12,500-m3-LH2 tank of the “lattice pressure vessel” type. Geometrically non-linear elastic–plastic analysis results show that the vacuum membrane deforms elastically under normal operating conditions of 1 atm pressure and 3 mm/m contraction displacement. The membrane is capable of withstanding harsh conditions, where both the pressure and displacement loads increase significantly.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
