Development and Prospect of Liquid Hydrogen Zero Boil-off Storage System

The goal of liquid hydrogen storage is to realize Zero Boil-Off (ZBO) storage because of its high energy storage density and wide application prospect. The five typical theoretical models such as superheated vapor、two-phase flow and multi-zone models are introduced. Through the analysis of the models, it is concluded that the main development direction of the models is the theoretical study of thermal stratification and self-pressurization of large liquid hydrogen storage tanks. Then, the key technologies of liquid hydrogen ZBO storage system is analyzed, including passive insulation, active insulation and pressure control technologies. It is pointed out that the breakthrough directions are the performance of insulation materials, the efficiency of 20 K cryogenic refrigerator and vapor cold shield. After that, the development of liquid hydrogen ZBO storage system is systematically summarized, and the experimental results of different schemes are analyzed. Their advantage and disadvantage are further stated. Finally, prospect for the liquid hydrogen ZBO storage system is present.