High-Efficiency, Modular and Low-Cost Hydrogen Liquefaction and Storage

August 31st, 2024

R&D Focus Areas:
Liquid hydrogen, Cold/cryo compressed

Lead Organisation:
The University of Sydney

Partners:
Not applicable

Status:
Active

Start date:
August 2024

Completion date:
July 2027

Key contacts:
Dr Arman Siahvashi – arman.siahvashi@sydney.edu.au

Funding:
AUD$479,242 – Australian Research Council (ARC)

Project total cost:
Estimated >AUD$2,000,000 – including cash and in-kind (use of laboratory space, equipment and facilities, etc.)

Project summary description:
This project aims to advance the science necessary to overcome barriers in hydrogen liquefaction; it addresses the gaps in fundamental knowledge in designing a cryogenic refrigeration cycle that combines the high efficiency of large-scale processes with the low cost, reliability, and safety of small modular systems. Leveraging expertise in cryogenics and liquefaction thermodynamics, the project aims to develop and demonstrate Australia’s first modular hydrogen liquefier.

The major objectives of this project are:

  1. Develop and model a new, more thermodynamically efficient hydrogen cooling cycle based on the Collins cycle, including demonstration of a high-efficiency cooling cycle using helium (or hydrogen) as a working fluid, shifting from traditional scale-up to modularization approaches.
  2. Build a modular liquefier prototype featuring a novel floating piston expander and a heat-exchanger for high-pressure ratios and continuous flow, combining efficiency and compactness to enable low-cost, safer hydrogen liquefaction and zero-boil-off storage; and
  3. Develop analytical models and user-friendly software to predict system performance, aiding scientists and engineers in understanding, designing, and assessing risks associated with modular hydrogen liquefaction units.

Related publications and key links:
Grant – Grants Data Portal (arc.gov.au)

Australia’s First High-Efficiency, Modular and Low-Cost Hydrogen Liquefaction and Storage System – Research Supervisor Connect – Future Students – University of Sydney, Australia

Higher degree studies supported:
At least two full-time PhD students are to be hired and trained on this project. More than 10 Honours and Masters students are expected to get involved in this project as part of their thesis and research training.

 

Reviewed: November 2024