Cryogenic Handling and System Design

Hydrogen is found in its gaseous state in nature. However, due to the low density of hydrogen gas, liquid hydrogen is the preferred storage method for certain space-constrained applications requiring a more compact storage solution. Liquid hydrogen is a cryogenic fluid, typically stored at – 253 °C at atmospheric pressure. The storage of liquid hydrogen, with a large expansion factor and high flammability, requires robust storage protocols and precise control mechanisms to ensure safe handling. Research into the cryogenic storage of hydrogen also involves the accompanying auxiliary equipment, such as liquefiers, pumps, compressors, and associated pipework and sensing instrumentation.

The UK is ranked top 5 globally for research in cryogenic hydrogen storage and equipment, with academic research outcomes usually within 4-5 % of global research outputs. Imperial College London, University of Cambridge, and University of Oxford are the top three leading institutions in the UK for cryogenic hydrogen research, with UK academics consistently ranked within the top global academics. Cryogenic hydrogen research encompasses a broad range of research topics, such as storage tanks, insulation techniques, compressors, pumps, and liquefiers. Our analysis, and expert industry insights presented in Section 6, indicates that the UK is doing well in the design and development of cryogenic storage vessels. However, there seems to be a gap in the auxiliary equipment, specifically compressors, pumps, liquefiers, and cryo-coolers, research capabilities within the UK. Without ramping up efforts in the technologies, there remains a risk of the UK falling behind in critical cryogenic hydrogen infrastructure and technology implementation, cited as being critical within the aerospace industry. Further details and expert academic opinions through Delphi survey analysis within the cryogenic hydrogen sector can be found in Section 4.1 and 4.2.