New thermal insulation concepts for bulk liquid hydrogen shipping

Expected Outcome:Shipping of bulk liquid hydrogen (LH2) requires concepts that are applicable, cost and energy-efficient, as well as safe, to make it attractive for the industry. However, the cryogenic storage conditions demand highly efficient insulation to reduce venting losses, as it is applied e.g. from NASA, JAXA or ESA for space applications, in the Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) project of Japan, as well as it is proposed by the most recent interim recommendations of IMO for carrying LH2 in bulk by ship. Traditional vacuum-jacketed dewar tanks provide excellent insulation, but their performance is highly dependent on vacuum integrity and precise installation. Furthermore, there is only one vacuum volume which is lost in case of a single leakage of the inner or outer tank wall. In addition, large-scale production of these tanks is time, personnel, and material intensive, and limits the possibilities of quality assurance[[[1] Fesmire, J. E., Energy Efficient Large-Scale Storage of Liquid Hydrogen, CEC – ICMC, 2021To enhance robustness, new insulation concepts need to be explored and demonstrated. Examples include multi-layer insulation (MLI) or variable-density multilayer insulation (VDMLI) combined with, for example, spray-on foam insulation (SOFI), aerogels, and nano-cellular foams, or hybrid solutions. Modular and layered solutions in the design of the insulation system may be investigated as well. However, these techniques need further investigation to achieve the best trade-off between robustness and insulation performance.Several promising projects (e.g. NICOLHy[1], LH2Craft[2]) and industry consortia are currently researching advanced storage concepts targeting cost and energy-efficient, as well as safe large liquid hydrogen bulk storage systems[[[4] NICOLHy, Deliverable 1.1, LH2_storage_tank_and insulation_technologies,_applications,_and standards, https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/1011376292This topic focuses on transport tanks for shipping of L