Comparative analysis of thermodynamic performance in a quasi-two-dimensional model for liquid hydrogen tank insulation system incorporating different vapor cooled shield and para-ortho hydrogen conversion catalyst configurations

Hydrogen storage constitutes a critical enabling technology for large-scale hydrogen utilization, yet faces significant heat leakage limitations. This study proposes and evaluates an advanced liquid hydrogen tank insulation system integrating variable-density multilayer insulation (VDMLI), vapor-cooled shields (VCS), and continuous para-ortho hydrogen conversion (POC). A quasi-two-dimensional (Q-2D) model was formulated to elucidate the heat transfer mechanisms within various insulation configurations. Validation demonstrated that the Q-2D model was more precise than the one-dimensional (1D) model. Sufficient continuous POC (SCPOC) and Insufficient continuous POC (ICPOC) within single VCS (SVCS)/double VCSs (DVCSs) were quantitatively analyzed. The optimal location of SVCS/DVCSs were identified and the heat transfer mechanism in varying insulation configurations were revealed for insulation system. Comparative analysis reveals a 0.653 % difference in modelled heat leakage when implementing SCPOC versus ICPOC within SVCS configurations. Conversely, a 0.299 % difference is observed for DVCSs integrating SCPOC relative to their ICPOC counterparts. Incorporating ICPOC within SVCS yields an 11.670 % heat leakage difference versus SVCS without POC. Similarly, DVCSs integrating ICPOC exhibit an 11.614 % difference relative to DVCSs devoid of POC. Additionally, POC catalyst deployment exclusively within the first VCS of DVCSs (F-DVCSs) was investigated. Compared to DVCSs with ICPOC, F-DVCSs integrated with ICPOC demonstrate a significantly larger heat leakage difference of 1.055 %. • Reynolds number effects on POC within SVCS/DVCSs are quantitatively analyzed. • Heat transfer mechanism of LHTIS with SCPOC/ICPOC are revealed by Q-2D model. • ICPOC in F-DVCSs shows 1.055 % greater heat leakage deviation vs. ICPOC in DVCSs.