DelHyVEHR Partners Celebrate Milestones Achieved in First Year of Project
We are delighted to share the success of the General Assembly meeting of the DelHyVEHR project held in Belfast on January 13-14 2025, marking one year since our kick-off!
Hosted by Ulster University in Belfast, the two-day meeting provided an opportunity for participants to review the project’s progress, share valuable insights, and plan the next steps towards a sustainable energy future.
Technical workshops
Among the programme highlights were technical workshops hosted by Ulster University, where participants explored potential incident scenarios and key challenges associated with the use of liquid hydrogen technologies from a safety point of view.
These included, for instance, the risk of „hot“ and „cold“ BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion) scenarios. BLEVE occurs when a tank’s structure breaks or its pressure relief system cannot function properly, leading to a catastrophic rupture of the storage vessel. While a hot BLEVE results in an immediate ignition and thermal hazards such as a fireball and radiation, a cold one lacks these effects but can still release a flammable vapour cloud.
Furthermore, the progress in developing a model capable of simulating a multiphase release of liquid hydrogen from storage tanks into the atmosphere was highlighted. This model supports the assessment and reduction of risks associated with hazardous gas spills, contributing to enhanced safety and efficiency of the liquid hydrogen infrastructure.
The issue of the rain-out phenomenon was also addressed, where accidentally released liquid hydrogen forms a liquid pool upon contact with the ground. Understanding and preventing rain-out is crucial, not only for safety, but also for environmental considerations.
Progress in work packages
The next part of the programme focused on reviewing the latest advancements across the DelHyVEHR work packages, highlighting significant progress in key areas.
Notably, a key component of the project—the design of the demonstration site at Ariane Group’s location in Vernon, France—is progressing, with the first tests expected to begin soon!
Furthermore it was reported that the theoretical performance of the high flowrate transfer cryogenic pump, designed for liquid hydrogen refuelling stations, has exceeded expectations. In addition, the conceptual mechanical design aligns with the required pump speed, with no issues related to rotor dynamics. The final three-stage prototype has also been fully designed and is ready for the next steps.
Another notable advancement from a different work package was testing of various designs for flexible hose and coupling systems, which has provided fundamental insights for further design improvements. These technologies are essential for ensuring the insulation and safety required for liquid hydrogen transfer. To meet the demands of heavy-duty, dynamic applications, the project envisions their continued adaptation and redesign to guarantee robustness and longevity.
Moreover, new options for sanitising the coupling interface used in liquid hydrogen transfer have been identified. While helium is currently the preferred gas for this process, its high cost and limited availability make it unsuitable for the global adaptation of liquid hydrogen systems. Recent tests conducted within the project indicate that nitrogen, a more affordable and abundant alternative, could be a feasible replacement.
Closing reflections and team building
Finally, a closing team dinner wrapped up our assembly, allowing everyone to reflect on the discussions, strengthen team spirit, and celebrate the progress we’ve made so far. This meeting was not only a valuable opportunity to align on the status of the different work packages, but also reinforced our collaboration and excitement for the work ahead. We’re happy to be part of this great project and look forward to continuing our efforts.
Together, we are paving the way for a cleaner, greener world!
