Heat Transfer Analysis Methodology for Compression Hydrogen Storage Tank during Charge–Discharge Cycle

Abstract

Heat transfer analysis for the compression hydrogen storage tank (CHST) during the charge–discharge cycle is necessary to ensure quick and safe refueling for fuel cell vehicles. In this paper, a dual‐zone dual‐temperature (DZDT) model for a CHST during the charge–discharge cycle process is established. The constant/variable mass flow rates and heat transfer coefficients (HTCs) are combined to form three methods. Method 1 uses constant mass flow rate and constant HTC. Method 2 uses variable mass flow rate and variable HTC calculated through the energy conservation equation. Method 3 uses variable mass flow rate and variable HTC calculated through the empirical equation. Then, these methods are applied to the DZDT model for heat transfer analysis in three cases. Research shows that for the charging process, the simulated hydrogen temperatures by Method 2 agree well with experiment data for three CHSTs. Method 1 has a maximum error of about 20°C for 19 L CHST, 15°C for 29 L CHST, and 25°C for 40 L CHST. The error of Method 3 is between Methods 1 and 2. The simulated hydrogen pressures by Methods 2 and 3 agree well with the experimental data, while Method 1 has a maximum error of about 5 MPa for 19 L CHST, 10 MPa for 29 L CHST, and 3 MPa for 40 L CHST. For the discharge process, the simulated hydrogen temperatures by Methods 2 and 3 have a relatively slight difference with the experimental data, while Method 1 has relatively significant differences for three CHSTs. Only slight differences exist between the simulated hydrogen pressures by Methods 1, 2, and 3 with the experimental data for three CHSTs. In short, Method 2 can simulate the hydrogen temperature and pressure well during the charge–discharge process. Method 3 can simulate the approximate hydrogen temperature and precise hydrogen pressure during the charge–discharge process. Method 1 can only simulate the hydrogen pressure during the discharging process. The conclusions of this article can inform researchers which analysis methods are more reasonable to choose in future hydrogen‐filling studies.