DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF HYDROGEN TRANSMISSION …

Kathmandu University Green Hydrogen Lab www.ghlab.ku.edu.np 1

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF HYDROGEN

TRANSMISSION AND REFUELING STATION FOR

DEMONSTRATIVE PURPOSEProject Objectives: 1. To study in detail about the hydrogen transmission and

refueling stations along with the components required.

2. To develop a system design considering its feasibility andsafety counterparts along with the selection of components.

3. To optimize and assemble the various components of arefueling station for demonstrative purposes.

Mridul Bhattaraimridulbtri7@gmail.

com

Supervisor:

Biraj Singh Thapa, Asst. Prof. and Team Leader,

Green Hydrogen Lab, DoME

Relevance to Green Hydrogen Lab priorities1. To develop foundations for developing green hydrogen eco-system in

Nepal.2. To develop lab-scale hydrogen refueling and transportation system

thereby developing research paper for commercialization of the system.

3. To support a pilot project for distribution of green hydrogen fuel for its commercial use in transportation.

Shrayad Chapagaincomplicatedchaps@gm

ail.com

Sangam Limbusangamlimbu4@gmail.

com

Associated Team:Third Year, Automobile, DoME

Project Work Schedule

Co-Supervisor:

Bishwash Neupane, Research Asst.

Green Hydrogen Lab, DoMEAbin [email protected]

m

Kathmandu University Green Hydrogen Lab www.ghlab.ku.edu.np

Progress Presentation- Month of April

Picture(s): The relevant reference/ Overall

Progress/ New findings

Work Summary

No. of hours worked during the month: 30 hours (10 active days)

Interesting Facts Found: During refueling, the vehicle is earthed by an earthing cable to

avoid sparks caused by static electricity.

By the end of 2019, there were 470 hydrogen refueling stations

under operation worldwide. This number is expected to reach

10,000 by the year 2030.

Fig: Hydrogen Storage Tank


Project Work Schedule


Work Summary

WP Major associated

activities

Achievements Work Remaining Reason for deviation

1.1 Literature:

Development of

hydrogen technology

in refueling and

transportation sector

globally

Studied about globally available

hydrogen refuelling stations

which helped us to mark the

position of hydrogen fuel cell

technology in the present world.

• Collected data about the capacity

of various refuelling stations

around the world; also their

installation and maintenance cost,

safety precautions incorporated

along with risk factors.

• Further study on

risk factors and

their corresponding

safety precautions.

• Lack of proper papers

about the safety system in

hydrogen refuelling

station.


Work SummaryWP Major associated

activities

Achievements Work Remaining Reason for deviation

1.2 Study about the

system components

required (Storage

tanks, compressor,

dispensers, etc.),

their specifications

and their working

mechanism.

• Studied working mechanisms of

compressor and refrigeration

system.

• Selected suitable compressor(35

Mpa), Hydrogen tank(200 L),

refrigeration system(cascade)

and dispenser(35 Mpa).

• Selection of other

auxiliary

components such

as: Hydrogen leak

detection sensor,

pipes, hoses,

pressure gauge,

etc.

• Since the selection of

auxiliary components

depends on the size of

main components, they

can only be selected after

finalizing main

components

specifications.


On-Going Activities

WP Major associated activities Achievements

2.2 Feasibility test and detailed study on safety

protocols and measures. Findings on cause of leakages and common mistakes

made during transmission

Knowledge on losses during transmission such as boil-

off loss, venting loss


Schematic diagram

7

Kathmandu University Green Hydrogen Lab www.ghlab.ku.edu.np 8

Study and Finding

• Hydrogen refueling stations and gasoline refueling

stations are somewhat alike except the extra safety

measures we should focus on in hydrogen station.

• Hydrogen can be produces off site or on site. The off site

produced hydrogen is transported via pipe lines,

cryogenic liquid tanker truck or gaseous tube trailers, or

by rail or barge.

• The high diffusibility, extremely low density and broad

inflammability range of hydrogen makes it more risky

fuel and proper safety measures has to be accompanied

during refueling and its transportation.

• Figure alongside shows the percentage of hydrogen

refueling stations in Asia, Europe and North America by

the end of 2019.

41%

42%

17%

Chart Title

Europe

Asia

North America


Thermal Compression In HRS vs Conventional compression in HRS

Based on a report on Hydrogen Fueling Station using Thermal compression by “Kenneth

Kriha”, “Yanti Wang”. The overall cost of the system was reduced to by 6% for achieving the

same result as with conventional system.

It is because, a thermal compression system doesn’t uses a compressor and refrigeration chiller.

9


Causes of Leakages

• Leakages due to damages, fracture and fatigue of

components

• Leakages from valves, seals, fittings

• Leakages due to human error and external impact

Safety Measures

• Early Identification of Safety Expertise

• Compliance with regulations, codes, and standards

• Implement Best Safety Practice

• Flame detection and safety sensors

10


Learnings and Way ForwardLearnings

• Common risks factors in hydrogen refueling station and the safety precautions to confront against them.

• Different methods of gas compression and the working mechanism of diaphragm compressor, in particular.

• We also learned about hydrogen embrittlement and contamination due to chemical reaction.

Way Forward

• To perform further risk assessment and study the safety precautions to be embraced.

• To generate a detailed working map with all the mathematical calculations and specifications.

Documents

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF HYDROGEN TRANSMISSION …