Study on the methodology for evaluating the filling quality of type III hydrogen storage cylinders

Abstract

With the development of refueling technology, the filling speed, the state of charge (SOC), and the overall experience of the refueling process have received increasing attention. However, a comprehensive evaluation of filling quality needs to be further proposed. Based on the standard k-ϵ model and the National Institute of Standards and Technology Real Gas Model, the effects of refueling parameters for type III hydrogen storage cylinders on hydrogen temperature and SOC were analyzed by numerical simulations of the structured grid model. An analytical model for predicting SOC with four parameters was developed, with the indicators of mass flow rate, initial pressure, inlet hydrogen temperature, and ambient temperature. A filling quality index considering six parameters is proposed. This work offers roadmaps for adjusting the working conditions of hydrogenation stations. The evaluation of the filling quality presented provides a set of novel theoretical solutions to improving the filling quality of hydrogen cylinders.