Effect of Hydrogen Plant Structure on Hydrogen Diffusion

Abstract Nuclear energy is a primary energy source that is low in carbon and highly efficient. The hydrogen production process coupled with nuclear power produces clean, low-carbon, and highly efficient hydrogen. However, hydrogen leakage accidents may occur during the hydrogen production process, and the structural design of hydrogen production plants significantly impacts the risk of hydrogen combustion after an accident. This paper introduces two models for electrolytic water hydrogen plants: the flat roof vent model and the pointed roof vent model. The impact of plant structure on hydrogen behavior and hydrogen explosion risk inside the plant was investigated using computational fluid dynamics software Fluent. The results indicate that in the event of a hydrogen leakage accident, the hydrogen concentration inside the plant with a pointed roof and ventilation outlets is relatively lower. Especially, the accumulation of hydrogen in the area above the leak point on the roof of the plant is significantly improved compared to a flat roof structure with ventilation outlets. In the same duration, the pointed roof structure facilitates faster accumulation of hydrogen at the top of the plant and expedites its expulsion through the ventilation outlets, so the overall residual hydrogen quantity is reduced. It is highly recommended that the design and construction of hydrogen production plants take into account the possibility of hydrogen leakage accidents. In order to mitigate such risks, plant structures should feature spire roofs along with ventilation openings.