Thermocouple Thermal Inertia During Refuelling of Hydrogen Tanks: CFD Validation

Vincent Ren; Guillaume Lodier; Fouad Ammouri

Abstract

Fueling and defueling of hydrogen composite tanks is an important issue for the safe handling of hydrogen. To prevent temperature rise during refuelling (maximum allowed T=+85°C), the rate of fueling must be carefully controlled. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), we simulate the temperature and velocity distribution inside the tank during these processes, including cases where thermal stratification occurs. Simulations of two tank configurations with tilted injectors are presented, along with experimental data validation. A model is proposed to account for the thermal inertia of the thermocouples, making it possible to compare more reliably CFD results with experimental measurements.

Funding source: This work has been achieved in the framework of a project which has received funding from the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking (now Clean Hydrogen Partnership) under Grant Agreement No 874997. This Joint Undertaking receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation program, Hydrogen Europe and Hydrogen Europe Research.

Keywords: CFD Validation ; Hydrogen Tanks

Related subjects: Safety

Countries: France