High Pressure Release and Dispersion of Hydrogen in a Partially Enclosed Compartment

Published

March 1, 2011

Author(s)

Kuldeep R. Prasad, Thomas G. Cleary, William M. Pitts, Jiann C. Yang

Abstract

The study of compressed hydrogen release from high-pressure storage systems has practical application for hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. Such releases may occur either due to accidental damage to a storage tank or connecting piping, or direct PRD releases. Understanding hydrogen behavior during and after the unintended release from a high pressure storage device is important for development of appropriate hydrogen safety codes and standards and for the evaluation of risk mitigation approaches and requirements. The natural and forced mixing and dispersion of hydrogen released from a high pressure tank in a partially enclosed compartment with vents at multiple heights is investigated using theoretical tools. Simple models are developed to estimate the volumetric flow rate through a choked nozzle of a high pressure tank. The hydrogen released in the compartment is vented through buoyancy induced flow or through forced ventilation. The key to the analysis is determination of the position of the neutral buoyancy plane, where the pressure in the compartment is equal to that of the exterior. Air flows in through vents below the position of neutral buoyancy and exits from vents above it.

Proceedings Title

Proceedings of the 2011 National Hydrogen Association Conference

Conference Dates

February 13-16, 2011

Conference Location

Washington DC, DC

Conference Title

2011 NHA Annual Hydrogen Conference

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

Hydrogen Release and Dispersion

Citation

Prasad, K. , Cleary, T. , Pitts, W. and Yang, J. (2011), High Pressure Release and Dispersion of Hydrogen in a Partially Enclosed Compartment, Proceedings of the 2011 National Hydrogen Association Conference, Washington DC, DC (Accessed December 3, 2024)