Session: 12-02 Risk Assessments and Management - Session 2

Paper Number: 135092

135092 - Effect of Hydrogen Plant Structure on Hydrogen Risk 

Abstract: 

The process of nuclear-powered hydrogen production involves the integration of nuclear power and hydrogen production processes, which holds the potential to achieve decarbonization across the entire spectrum of energy production and utilization. However, prolonged exposure to hydrogen may cause hydrogen embrittlement in the pipework of the electrolytic water hydrogen plant, which may lead to rupture or breakage. Prolonged use of the pipeline valves and hydrogen storage tanks may cause loose seals, and hydrogen may leak from the hydrogen production process. When leaking hydrogen accumulates locally and reaches a volume fraction of 4-75% in the air, it may cause combustion and explosion if it encounters a spark, which may seriously damage the hydrogen production equipment and endanger the safety of the hydrogen production plant and personnel.The structural design of the hydrogen production plant and the placement of vents have a significant impact on the behaviour of hydrogen in the plant in the event of an accident. This paper presents two structural models for hydrogen production plants: the flat roof vent model and the peaked roof vent model. The two models primarily diverge in terms of the roof shape and vent arrangement. The flat-topped vent model has a horizontal top with corresponding vents and air intakes, the peaked roof vent model features a top design with corners, and the vents are symmetrically arranged on both axial sides of the roof. The Fluent software is utilised to simulate and analyse the hydrogen behaviour under identical hydrogen leakage accident conditions between the two models, subsequently providing a comparative evaluation of the influence of different plant structures on the hydrogen combustion and explosion risk. The results demonstrate that the peaked roof vent model exhibits a relatively lower concentration of hydrogen, the phenomenon of hydrogen accumulation is less pronounced compared to flat-topped vent model. The plant area using the peaked roof vent model has a significantly reduced combustible area compared to the flat-topped vent model. Therefore, the risk of hydrogen combustion and explosion is relatively lower. It is recommended to thoroughly assess the potential of hydrogen leakage and implement appropriate emergency measures before the construction of hydrogen production plant. And the structure of the plant with peaked roof vents should be designed so that the hydrogen in the plant can be discharged quickly when the leakage occurs, so as to minimize the risk of hydrogen combustion and explosion, and thus to ensure the safety of the equipment and personnel.

Presenting Author: 雪峰 吕 华北电力大学研究生招生简章

Presenting Author Biography: Professor and Doctoral Supervisor, School of Nuclear Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University; B.S., Xi'an Jiaotong University; Ph.D., Tsinghua University, Nuclear Science and Technology.

Authors:

Shucheng Zhang North China Electric Power University
Xuefeng Lyu North China Electric Power University
Lin Wang North China Electric Power University
Xichen Li SHENGNENG ENERGY（ZHEJIANG）CO., LTD
Yu Yu North China Electric Power University
Houjian Zhao North China Electric Power University
Shengfei Wang North China Electric Power University
Zhangpeng Guo North China Electric Power University