Numerical Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment of Type V Hydrogen Pressure Vessels

The growing concern about greenhouse gas emissions and global warming has heightened the focus on sustainability across industrial sectors. As a result, hydrogen energy has emerged as a versatile and promising solution for various engineering applications. Among its storage options, Type V composite pressure vessels are particularly attractive because they eliminate the need for a polymer liner during manufacturing, significantly reducing material usage and enhancing their environmental benefit. However, limited research has explored the pressure performance and life cycle assessment of these vessels. To address this gap, this study investigates the pressure performance and carbon emissions of a Type V hydrogen pressure vessel using four composite materials: Kevlar/Epoxy, Basalt/Epoxy, E-Glass/Epoxy, and Carbon T-700/Epoxy. The results reveal that Carbon T-700/Epoxy is the most suitable material for high-pressure hydrogen storage due to its superior mechanical properties, including the highest burst pressure, maximum stress capacity, and minimal deformation under loading. Conversely, the LCA results, supported by insights from a large language model (LLM), show that Basalt/Epoxy provides a more sustainable option, exhibiting notably lower global warming potential (GWP) and acidification potential (AP). These findings highlight the trade-offs between mechanical performance and environmental impact, offering valuable insights for sustainable hydrogen storage design.