Hydrogen Release Consequence Modelling: Liquid Storage Tank and Dispenser in Hydrogen Refuelling Stations

Hydrogen is emerging as a clean, alternative energy source that can be used in a wide range of applications. Worldwide, the transport sector is heavily dependent on fossil fuels, and to transition this sector to hydrogen technology, it will require extensive deployment of a hydrogen refuelling station network across countries to support hydrogen-powered vehicles. This study examines the consequences of hydrogen leaks from a liquid hy-drogen storage tank and dispenser. A validated DNV PHAST software tool was used to evaluate the hydrogen leak dynamics under varied leak apertures (5mm and 25mm), to determine dispersion patterns, jet-fire thermal radiation intensity, and explosion over-pressure distance relationship under different wind speed intensities. The results indicate that wind speed, system operating pressure, and leak aperture size have a significant impact on the dispersion concentration, jet fire thermal radiation, and explosion over-pressure effect distance; a 25mm leakage elevates the radiation intensity and explosion overpressure, producing a harmful effect distance greater than 5mm leakage cases. Furthermore, a 25mm leak from a dispenser produces an explosion overpressure with greater harm effect distance than a liquid hydrogen leak from a storage tank. This study reveals fundamental hydrogen incident dynamics and provides valuable insights to be considered in the hydrogen refuelling stations to prevent hydrogen releases.