Hydrogen liquefaction: a review of the fundamental physics, engineering practice and future opportunities
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Hydrogen is emerging as one of the most promising energy carriers for a decarbonised global energy system. Transportation and storage of hydrogen are critical to its large-scale adoption and to these ends liquid hydrogen is being widely considered. The liquefaction and storage processes must, however, be both safe and efficient for liquid hydrogen to be viable as an energy carrier. Identifying the most promising liquefaction processes and associated transport and storage technologies is therefore crucial; these need to be considered in terms of a range of interconnected parameters ranging from energy consumption and appropriate materials usage to considerations of unique liquid-hydrogen physics (in the form of ortho–para hydrogen conversion) and boil-off gas handling. This study presents the current state of liquid hydrogen technology across the entire value chain whilst detailing both the relevant underpinning science (e.g. the quantum behaviour of hydrogen at cryogenic temperatures) and current liquefaction process routes including relevant unit operation design and efficiency. Cognisant of the challenges associated with a projected hydrogen liquefaction plant capacity scale-up from the current 32 tonnes per day to greater than 100 tonnes per day to meet projected hydrogen demand, this study also reflects on the next-generation of liquid-hydrogen technologies and the scientific research and development priorities needed to enable them.
Date Issued
2022-04-21
Date Acceptance
2022-04-20
Citation
Energy and Environmental Science, 2022, 15 (7)
ISSN
1754-5692
Publisher
Royal Society of Chemistry
Journal / Book Title
Energy and Environmental Science
Volume
15
Issue
7
Copyright Statement
Open Access Article. Published on 21 April 2022. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence
License URL
Identifier
http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000800326400001&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=1ba7043ffcc86c417c072aa74d649202
Subjects
Science & Technology
Physical Sciences
Technology
Life Sciences & Biomedicine
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Energy & Fuels
Engineering, Chemical
Environmental Sciences
Chemistry
Engineering
Environmental Sciences & Ecology
CRYOGENIC HEAT-EXCHANGERS
ORTHO-PARA CONVERSION
POWER-TO-GAS
LIQUID-HYDROGEN
ENERGY-STORAGE
THERMAL STRATIFICATION
WATER ELECTROLYSIS
RENEWABLE ENERGY
FUEL-CELLS
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES
Publication Status
Published