University researchers to work on liquid hydrogen project for shipping sector

Researchers at the University of Melbourne will work on developing large-scale liquid hydrogen storage systems for vessels and energy export terminals. 

PHOTO: A bulk liquefied hydrogen carrier at sea. MPA

The team of researchers will collaborate with Australian partners as well as international industry partners for the project. Liquid hydrogen (LH2) provides a more convenient way for hydrogen storage and transportation. Hydrogen gas needs to be cooled to extremely low temperatures, around -253°C, to convert it into a liquid state.

“The storage facility can provide LH2 as bunker fuel if needed. But the scale of the storage is based on export demands and the size of the transport ship,” Shanaka Kristombu Baduge, a postdoctoral fellow from the university and the project lead, told ENGINE. 

The project has received an AUD 3.1 million ($2.05 million) grant from the government agency the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). 

The team aims to develop LH2 storage facilities with a capacity of up to 200,000 cbm, integrate safety features and reduce operational costs. The biggest challenge in achieving this is zero evaporation of LH2, also called boil-off. 

The project will investigate ways to achieve zero boil-off or minimise hydrogen evaporation, according to Baduge. “However, if needed, boil-off can be used as fuel for the ship,” she said. 

The team will develop technologies and cryogenic testing capabilities at extremely low temperatures to liquefy and store hydrogen. “This project’s capabilities include a cryogenic testing platform, insulation systems, and prototypes, which will benefit in developing LH2 carrier ships, Baduge said.

The University of Melbourne’s Department of Infrastructure Engineering will collaborate with the Department of Chemical Engineering and a consortium of innovative partners, including GenH2 Discover Hydrogen, and Energy Evolution, among others, on the project. 

By Manjula Nair

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