Research on hydrogen leakage and diffusion mechanism in hydrogenation station

Abstract As a clean, efficient and sustainable energy carrier, hydrogen energy has been accepted as one of the main directions of future energy development. In this paper, a hydrogenation station providing compressed hydrogen outside was adopted as the research object. Based on finite element method and virtual nozzle model, the influence of leakage of main equipment in hydrogenation station on the distribution of combustible hydrogen was investigated, including hydrogen storage tank group, tube trailer, compressor chamber and hydrogenator. The results showed that the shape and volume of the combustible hydrogen cloud generated by the leak were influenced by obstacles, hydrogen storage pressure, and wind velocity. The disturbance of external wind and the decrease in hydrogen storage pressure will have a positive impact on the reduction of leaked volume. The diffusion of combustible hydrogen clouds can be exacerbated by complex structure of obstacles, while partition wall in the adopted hydrogenation station model can limit the combustible hydrogen cloud in the process area. These conclusions can provide guidance and reference for the risk prevention measures of hydrogenation station.