Evaluating the functional requirements of novel insulation systems for liquid hydrogen storage tanks using quality function deployment

Beyond thermal performance, the long-term viability of novel cryogenic insulation technologies is contingent upon several factors, such as low cost, durability, minimal or no maintenance, among others. Therefore, finding the optimal insulation concept involves trade-offs among these attributes, especially during early development stages. To assess the functional requirements of novel insulation materials and concepts, this paper presents a systematic approach based on the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method. A simplified House of Quality (HoQ) model, representing the first phase of QFD, was used to propose and link technical features that meet the identified needs of customers. A survey-based approach was employed to populate the HoQ, leading to the identification of eighteen functional requirements and twenty-two technical features, which were subsequently ranked by the respondents’ perceived level of their importance. The results from this study provide a structured decision-support framework and an integrative list of requirements to support improvements in insulation system design. Furthermore, the study proposes strategies for optimizing the development of next-generation hydrogen storage technologies.