Development Status and Prospect of Key Technologies for Liquid Hydrogen Production-Storage-Transportation-Refueling

ObjectivesLiquid storage and transportation is one of the effective ways to realize large-scale and long-distance storage and transportation of hydrogen and ensure the large-scale application of hydrogen energy. At present, there is relatively little research on the preparation, storage, transportation, and refueling of liquid hydrogen in China. Therefore, the current development status analysis of key technologies in these fields was conducted.MethodsThe advantages and disadvantages of high pressure gaseous storage, liquid hydrogen storage and solid hydrogen storage technologies were compared. The main liquefaction methods, liquid hydrogen storage insulation technologies and key materials in the process of liquid hydrogen preparation were reviewed. The characteristics of different transportation modes and equipments of liquid hydrogen were analyzed. The construction of liquid hydrogen hydrogenation station was combed, and the liquid hydrogen filling technologies were compared. The main application fields and industrialization modes of liquid hydrogen were expounded, and a statistical analysis of the patent technologies of liquid hydrogen storage and transportation in China in recent years was carried.ResultsThe “neck-stuck” difficulties faced by the development of liquid hydrogen storage and transportation in China and the urgent need for technical research directions were proposed.ConclusionsThe results can provide reference for the key technology research and equipment development of liquid hydrogen.