NICOLHy - Preliminary design of novel insulation concepts for LH2 storage tanks

As the world transitions toward sustainable energy sources, hydrogen has emerged as a key player in the clean energy landscape due to its versatility and potential for widespread application. Liquid hydrogen (LH2) offers a promising solution for large-scale energy storage and transportation, owing to its high energy density. However, the storage and transport of LH2 pose significant technical challenges, primarily due to its extremely low boiling point of -253°C, which demands advanced cryogenic storage systems. Large-scale LH2 storage is crucial for establishing a robust hydrogen economy. However, upscaling the storage technology poses several hurdles. The existing technologies used in small and medium-sized storage systems are not suitable for large-scale applications due to long production times, low failure tolerance, and the limitations of spherical tank designs, which can reduce payload efficiency by up to 50 %.The NICOLHy project is at the forefront of addressing these challenges by developing a novel insulation concept based on vacuum insulation panels (VIP). This innovative approach aims to enable the safe, cost-effective, and energy-efficient storage of large quantities of LH2, with capacities ranging from 40.000 m³ to over 200.000 m³. This project seeks to overcome the existing limitations of LH2 tanks by developing a modular, open-form storage system that is time- and cost-efficient across production, operation, and service phases. The system is designed to be multi-failure tolerant and applicable for both onshore and offshore installations. Deliverable 1.2 aims to propose new insulation concepts suitable for large-scale liquid hydrogen storage. The proposed concepts are founded on the expertise of the project participants, as well as on the comprehensive literature review conducted within the framework of WP1. The advantages and drawbacks of each LH2 insulation system are based on the experience gained from large-scale LNG tanks. The utilisation of new designs based on VIPs is explored, owing to the promising features of these technical solutions regarding scalability, safety, and costs. The current limitations in terms of materials' performance, weight, size, scalability, vacuum degree, and construction process are attentively analyzed to develop safer and more efficient concepts for stationary and maritime applications. The critical aspects of the novel solutions developed are also highlighted.