Thermodynamic modeling and simulation of LH2 refueling with conditioning vessel

Decarbonizing the mobility sector is a critical step toward achieving global climate targets, with hydrogen emerging as a promising alternative to fossil fuels. However, its low volumetric and gravimetric energy density at ambient conditions poses significant storage challenges. Liquid hydrogen (LH2) offers high gravimetric and volumetric energy densities, but presents challenges due to heat intake and evaporation losses during refueling. A validated 0D simulation model is presented to quantify reverse gas and boil-off losses. Results show reverse gas losses range from 10 to 50 % depending on operating conditions, and exceed 90 % when the filling lines are warm due to long idle times. Regular infrastructure use and maximizing tanked mass per fill help mitigate losses. Boil-off rates rise with pressure and are primarily driven by heat intake, highlighting the importance of insulation. These findings provide key operating parameters for optimizing LH2 refueling strategies in sustainable mobility applications using the proposed simulation model. • A 0D simulation model to calculate LH2 reverse gas and boil-off losses. • Model validation performed using experimental hydrogen refueling data. • Parametric analysis to reveal operating conditions affecting losses. • Model aids in optimizing LH2 refueling for mobility applications. • Future model expansion for basic engineering of LH2 storage systems and infrastructure.