Cooling effect analysis on para-ortho hydrogen conversion coupled in vapor-cooled shield

The conversion process from parahydrogen to orthohydrogen accompanies an endo-thermic effect. Embedment of a para-ortho hydrogen converter into the thermal insulation could enhance the thermal protection of a liquid hydrogen storage tank. A physical model was proposed to simulate the heat transfer behavior of the insulation structure that in-tegrates a polyurethane foam, a blanket of multilayer insulation, a vapor-cooled shield, and a para-ortho hydrogen converter. The effect of the para-ortho conversion process was considered. The model was validated by experimental data and then used to investigate how the para-ortho hydrogen conversion influences the temperature distribution inside the composite insulation. It was found that a single converter improves the cooling per-formance most effectively if it is placed at the middle length of the venting pipe mounted on the vapor-cooled shield. Either incorporating more converters or extending the length of the vapor-cooled shield pipes brings limited further improvement. The optimum position of the vapor-cooled shield inside the multilayer insulation moves towards the coldboundary in the presence of para-ortho conversion, compared to conventional vapor -cooled shield and multilayer insulation structures. A net heat flux reduction of over 10% could be achieved when the para-ortho conversion is located at the optimal position inside the vapor-cooled shield.(c) 2023 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The conversion process from parahydrogen to orthohydrogen is accompanied by an endothermic effect. Embedding a para-ortho hydrogen converter into the thermal insulation can enhance the thermal protection of a liquid hydrogen storage tank. A physical model was proposed to simulate the heat transfer behavior of the insulation structure integrating various components, and the effect of the para-ortho conversion process was considered. The model was validated and used to investigate the influence of para-ortho hydrogen conversion on temperature distribution inside the composite insulation.