Colloquia

Summary

This thesis develops a physics-based modelling framework to assess Zero-Boil-Off (ZBO) liquid hydrogen (LH₂) storage in medium-scale tanks (50–200 m³), representative of future hydrogen refuelling and distribution infrastructure. The central objective is to quantify the active cooling power required to maintain isothermal and isobaric storage conditions at approximately 20 K, thereby eliminating boil-off losses during stationary storage.

To this end, a modular Python model is developed, integrating heat-transfer correlations, tank geometry, insulation performance, and thermophysical hydrogen properties. The framework evaluates both internally integrated and externally located ZBO cooling architectures, capturing their impact on heat ingress, vapour behaviour, and refrigeration demand. Steady-state parametric studies and time-dependent use-case simulations are performed under realistic climatic conditions.

The thermodynamic results are coupled to a techno-economic analysis, translating cooling demand into electricity consumption, operational expenditure, and allowable capital cost ranges. The work provides quantitative insight into the feasibility and cost drivers of ZBO-enabled LH₂ storage at intermediate scale.