CFD modeling of sloshing-induced pressure drop inside LH 2 storage tanks used in maritime applications

As emission regulations tighten, liquid hydrogen is gaining traction as a maritime fuel. Reliable vessel operation depends on stable tank pressure, which can be disrupted by sloshing from ship motion. This study presents a CFD model using the Volume of Fluid method and the Homogeneous Relaxation Model to analyze thermal effects and pressure drops caused by sloshing in liquid hydrogen tanks. Thermophysical properties are modeled within the working cryogenic temperature and pressure range. Different aspects of modeling are separately validated. Dynamic mesh motion is then applied to simulate sloshing in a practical application case. Results show that sloshing induces vapor–liquid mixing and interfacial phase change, disrupting temperature stratification and causing pressure drops. The pressure reduction correlates with gas-phase temperature decline, which approaches the liquid phase temperature at high filling ratios. • CFD simulation of sloshing inside LH 2 storage tanks in maritime applications. • Modeling focuses on the accurate quantification of pressure drop inside LH 2 tanks. • Homogenous Relaxation Model employed for phase change. • Validation of different aspects of modeling. • Practical application case shows thermodynamic equilibrium is reached quickly.