Liquid hydrogen fuelling process simulation – paving the way for digital twinning hydrogen safety

The quest for sustainable energy solutions has increasingly spotlighted hydrogen as a key player in transitioning to a greener future. Among its various forms, liquid hydrogen emerges as a promising energy carrier, especially for its potential in long-haul transportation sectors, such as trucking. This is predicated on its high energy density and the feasibility of transporting energy across intermediate regional distances. However, the path to integrating liquid hydrogen into our energy infrastructure is fraught with unique challenges, particularly concerning safety.

Liquid hydrogen presents distinct safety concerns due to its extremely low boiling point and specific behaviours under different conditions, including its tendency to expand rapidly when transitioning from a liquid to a gas. Such properties necessitate a careful and innovative approach to handling, storage, and transportation to mitigate risks such as leaks, spills, and the potential for explosions. While a substantial body of research focuses on the behaviour of liquid hydrogen during process safety incidents, there is a noticeable gap in the development and implementation of proactive safety measures and operational practices. This project is conceived to address these critical areas, aiming to significantly enhance the safety protocols associated with the hydrogen fuelling process.

The initiative is structured around three core objectives that lay the foundation for safer liquid hydrogen utilisation. Firstly, it involves simulating the liquid hydrogen fuelling process in detail, leveraging existing research and standards to create a comprehensive process model. This model will cover all stages of the fuelling process, including unloading, storage, gasification, and compression, and identify potential hazards and challenges at each step.

Secondly, the project will employ Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling, specifically using the ANSYS-FLUENT software, to simulate scenarios like liquid hydrogen spills. This advanced modelling technique will enable a deeper understanding of the dynamics involved in such incidents, providing valuable insights into how liquid hydrogen behaves under various conditions and, thus, informing safety measures.

Lastly, the project will foster collaboration with industry leaders, notably BP and DNV, to conduct controlled hydrogen explosion experiments. These experiments are designed to validate the risk evaluations produced from the simulations and models, ensuring that the findings are grounded in real-world conditions. Such collaborative efforts enrich the project with diverse expertise and align it with industry standards and expectations.

The project aspires to develop a digital twin for hydrogen safety by addressing these objectives. This digital representation of the hydrogen fuelling process will allow for the simulation, analysis, and prediction of potential safety incidents, thus paving the way for implementing more effective safety protocols. Ultimately, the project envisions a future where liquid hydrogen can be utilised safely and efficiently, contributing significantly to the global energy transition towards sustainability. The project aims to unlock hydrogen’s full potential as a green energy carrier by enhancing the safety of liquid hydrogen fuelling processes, ensuring its role in a sustainable energy ecosystem.

Applicants should hold a minimum of a 2:1 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) in Fluid Dynamics, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely associated field emphasising numerical simulation.. Those with a 2:2 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) may be considered, provided they have (or are expected to achieve) a Distinction or Commendation at master’s level.

We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and are committed to having a diverse, inclusive team. Please contact Dr Henry Tan (h.tan@abdn.ac.uk) for further information.

• Formal applications can be completed online: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/pgap/login.php
• You should apply for Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering to ensure your application is passed to the correct team for processing.
• Please clearly note the name of the supervisor and project title on the application form. If you do not include these details, it may not be considered for the studentship.
• Your application must include: A personal statement, an up-to-date copy of your academic CV, and clear copies of your educational certificates and transcripts (original and officially translated into English).
• Please note: you DO NOT need to provide a research proposal with this application
• If you require any additional assistance in submitting your application or have any queries about the application process, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [pgrs-admissions@abdn.ac.uk]

Please note, your application may be shared with any external funders of this PhD Studentship, and any external members of the supervisory team