NICOLHy: Novel insulation concepts for liquefied hydrogen storage tanks

The NICOLHy project is pioneering the use of vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) to revolutionize the design and construction of large-scale liquefied hydrogen (LH₂) storage tanks. This EU-funded initiative aims to make LH₂ storage safer, more cost-effective, and scalable, paving the way for wider adoption of LH₂ as a crucial component of Europe’s energy transition.

Key Technical Specifications and Facts

The NICOLHy project is focused on developing novel insulation concepts for large LH₂ storage tanks, targeting capacities ranging from 40,000 to 200,000 m³. This scale is comparable to existing liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, highlighting the ambition to establish LH₂ as a viable alternative. Key technical aspects include:

• Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs): These are the core of the innovation. VIPs consist of a fill material maintained under vacuum, enclosed within a gas-tight membrane. This construction significantly enhances thermal insulation performance compared to conventional methods.
• VIP Dimensions: While adaptable to specific applications, exemplary VIP dimensions are 1 m x 1 m in length and width, with a thickness of 0.1 m. This modularity allows for flexible tank designs.
• VIP Lifespan: Depending on the materials used for the fill and the envelope, VIPs are designed for operational lifetimes ranging from 10 to 100 years. This longevity is crucial for the economic viability of LH₂ storage solutions.
• Operating Temperatures: LH₂ is stored at -253°C, significantly colder than LNG (-161°C). This necessitates specialized insulation materials and designs that can withstand extreme cryogenic conditions.
• Tank Design: The project aims to shift from traditional spherical tank designs to prismatic shapes, facilitated by the use of VIPs. This shift promises up to a 65% increase in storage capacity for a given footprint, particularly beneficial for ship-based storage.

Technical Analysis: Innovation and Challenges

The application of VIPs to LH₂ storage represents a significant leap forward in cryogenic insulation technology. The key innovation lies in adapting a proven technology – VIPs are already used in refrigerators and building insulation – to the extreme demands of LH₂ storage. This involves addressing specific challenges:

• Thermal Stress: The extremely low temperatures of LH₂ impose significant thermal stress on insulation materials. NICOLHy is investigating how VIP materials withstand these stresses over extended periods.
• Installation and Mounting: Developing effective and reliable methods for mounting and installing VIPs in large-scale tanks is crucial. The project is exploring techniques that ensure both thermal performance and structural integrity.
• Gas-Tight Barrier Design: A key concept involves a double-walled tank design with a gas-tight barrier between the inner and outer walls. This barrier allows for controlled pressure and gas composition in the two chambers, enhancing insulation performance and safety.
• Gas Selection: The choice of gases within the chambers is critical. Gases like hydrogen or helium, with very low boiling points, are considered for the inner chamber, while nitrogen could be used in the outer chamber. This stratification helps to minimize heat leak into the LH₂.

The modularity and ease of installation of VIPs offer several advantages over traditional insulation methods. They promise to reduce tank production time, simplify installation, and enhance safety through redundancy.

Industry and Regulatory Context

The NICOLHy project aligns with the broader European strategy for energy security and the transition to a hydrogen economy. The project directly supports the goals of the European Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking and its Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda.

The increasing focus on LH₂ as a transport vector is driven by its high volumetric energy density. This makes it the preferred option for long-distance transport by ship, enabling the establishment of global hydrogen supply chains. The project acknowledges that while gaseous hydrogen pipelines and geological storage have a role, LH₂ offers a practical solution for international trade.

The project’s emphasis on safety, economics, scalability, and sustainability reflects the key priorities for the successful deployment of LH₂ technology. Overcoming the current limitations of large-scale LH₂ storage is crucial for unlocking the full potential of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier.

Why This Matters for the Hydrogen Shipping Sector

The NICOLHy project has significant implications for the hydrogen shipping sector. By developing cost-effective and scalable LH₂ storage solutions, it addresses a critical bottleneck in the hydrogen supply chain.

Specifically, the project promises to:

• Enable Larger LH₂ Carriers: The ability to construct tanks with capacities of 40,000 to 200,000 m³ will facilitate the development of larger and more efficient LH₂ carriers.
• Reduce Shipping Costs: Lowering the cost of LH₂ storage will directly translate to reduced shipping costs, making hydrogen more competitive with other energy sources.
• Improve Safety: The project’s focus on enhanced insulation and tank design will contribute to improved safety standards for LH₂ transportation.
• Accelerate Adoption of Hydrogen: By addressing the challenges of LH₂ storage, the NICOLHy project will accelerate the adoption of hydrogen as a fuel for ships and as a globally traded energy commodity.

The shift to prismatic tank designs also allows for more efficient use of space on board ships, maximizing cargo capacity and improving overall vessel economics.

Sources

innovationnewsnetwork.com — https://www.innovationnewsnetwork.com/nicolhy-novel-insulation-concepts-for-liquefied-hydrogen-tanks/68436/