Numerical Simulation of the Protective Effect of Air Walls on Liquid Hydrogen Leakage

Abstract Liquid hydrogen storage stands out among various storage and transportation methods for its high efficiency. However, accidental leaks of liquid hydrogen pose safety hazards due to the formation of hydrogen clouds. Therefore, a research project developed a three-dimensional numerical model using the open-source computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code OpenFOAM. The accuracy of the numerical simulations was validated by comparing the results with experiments conducted by NASA. An innovative approach called the “air wall” has been proposed as an enhanced safety measure alternative to traditional fencing systems. The air wall consists of a series of upward air outlets designed to intercept the lateral diffusion of low-temperature, high-density hydrogen. The air wall alters the trajectory of hydrogen, increasing convection and diffusion rates and effectively reducing the hazardous range of hydrogen dispersion. The protective efficacy of the air wall was verified through numerical simulations. The geometric model was based on modifications to fencing designs from NASA experiments. Comparative analysis between the traditional cofferdam and the innovative air wall revealed significant differences in hydrogen dispersion trajectories. The research findings demonstrate that the air wall provides a safer option for mitigating the consequences of liquid hydrogen leaks.