A mathematical model for hydrogen dispersion cloud based on dimensional analysis and computational fluid dynamics (CFD)

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2024-03, Vol.60, p.229-240
• Main Authors: Li, Zelin, Simancas, Nicolás Santiago Navarro, Vianna, Sávio Souza Venâncio, Zhang, Bin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: CFD; Computation cost reduction; Hydrogen dispersion; Mathematical modelling
• ISSN: 0360-3199
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.02.119

The reliable incorporation of hydrogen as a clean energy source necessitates an in-depth comprehension of the dynamics of flammable clouds resulting from potential leakage incidents. This research introduces an innovative model rooted in the principles of the kinetic theory of gases to determine the dimensions of flammable hydrogen clouds during leaks. The model integrates critical variables such as leak rate, leak direction, wind speed, and wind direction, in addition to surrounding atmospheric conditions, offering a precise forecast of hydrogen dispersion and behaviour during leakage scenarios. This modelling approach relies on two dimensionless groups derived through dimensional analysis, and the correlation between these groups has been established. Furthermore, the model incorporates three constants accounting for hydrogen buoyancy, gas dilution, and mixing, which are fine-tuned through a minimal number of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. This indispensable information is crucial for the formulation of effective safety protocols, evacuation plans, and risk assessment strategies. Validation of the model against simulated data attests to its accuracy and reliability, underscoring its potential as a valuable tool for steering the secure integration of hydrogen technologies. This research significantly contributes to the advancement of safety measures in the utilisation of hydrogen as a clean energy source, providing a robust foundation for the design and implementation of precautionary measures in real-world applications. •A method for predicting hydrogen flammable cloud size based on dimensional analysis and CFD is proposed.•This method allows an improvement in the calculation efficiency while ensuring its accuracy.•A detailed comparative analysis of three prediction methods was presented in this paper.•This method is suitable for explosion risk analysis during the preliminary design phase.