Thermodynamic evaluation of cryogenic hydrogen storage performance for heavy-duty trucks

Abstract

Thermodynamic evaluation of 3 configurations of cryogenic hydrogen storage (liquid hydrogen LH₂, subcooled liquid hydrogen sLH₂, and cryo-compressed hydrogen CcH₂) for vessel dimensions (2 frame-mounted vessels, each with 560 L capacity) and utilization patterns (Monday-Friday driving from full capacity to minimum usable density, and no driving during weekends) representative of heavy-duty trucks reveals that LH₂ and sLH₂ vessels have lower empty system weight than CcH₂ vessels (169 kg and 210 kg vs. 422 kg for CcH₂ vessels), and lower electricity consumption for LH₂ pumping (0.05 kWh/kg for sLH₂ vs. 0.2–0.3 kWh/kg for CcH₂ vessels). On the other hand, CcH₂ vessels have advantages on several key performance metrics that makes them a compelling alternative for hydrogen (H₂) storage onboard trucks: storage density (73 g/L vs. 60 for sLH₂ and 55.6 for LH₂), usable storage density (68 g/L vs. 52.5 for sLH₂ and 45.9 for LH₂), system usable storage density (46.5 g/L vs. 43.2 for sLH₂ and 38.7 for LH₂), and driving range (858 km vs 662 for sLH₂ and 579 for LH₂). CcH₂ vessels accomplish these advantages while maintaining zero vent losses, while 5.1% of the total LH₂ fed into the sLH₂ vessel and 9.8% of the total LH₂ fed into the LH₂ vessel are vented. Flexibility for feeding engines or fuel cells at elevated pressure is also a valuable feature of CcH₂ vessels. Lastly, LH₂ pump-based CcH₂ fueling stations can be easily adapted to compressed H₂ refueling, as the same key equipment is leveraged. These unique advantages suggest that CcH₂ vessels are a promising technology to accomplish the important and challenging task of heavy-duty truck decarbonization.