Rate of Para-Orthohydrogen Conversion in Cryogenic Vortex Tube

Journal Article · 15 June 2023 · Journal of Fluid Flow, Heat and Mass Transfer (Online)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.11159/jffhmt.2023.003 · OSTI ID:2435634

Matveev, Konstantin I.  ^[1]; Leachman, Jacob W.  ^[2]

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1. Washington State University, Pullman, WA (United States); Washington State University
2. Washington State University, Pullman, WA (United States)

Raising efficiency of the cooling process for cryogenic hydrogen and minimizing hydrogen boil-off during storage and transportation of liquid hydrogen are critically important factors for widening implementation of hydrogen-based clean energy systems. One novel approach involves utilization of relatively simple catalyzed vortex tubes, where hydrogen in the primarily para- nuclear spin isomer form is converted into the ortho- form while consuming a significant amount of heat. To design such systems effectively, better understanding is required about catalyst-assisted para-orthohydrogen conversion rates in high-speed vortical flows. In this study, a computational fluid dynamics simulation has been set up to model an experimental system with cryogenic hydrogen vortex tubes. Mesh-verification and a validation study has been conducted first for a non-catalyzed tube. Then, the rate coefficient of the para-orthohydrogen conversion of cryogenic hydrogen has been determined by matching numerical results with experimental data available for a catalyzed vortex tube. Furthermore, the presented information can help design and optimize cryogenic hydrogen cooling within vortex tubes.

• Research Organization: Washington State University, Pullman, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Office of Sustainable Transportation. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO)
• Grant/Contract Number: EE0008429
• OSTI ID: 2435634
• Journal Information: Journal of Fluid Flow, Heat and Mass Transfer (Online), Journal Name: Journal of Fluid Flow, Heat and Mass Transfer (Online) Vol. 10; ISSN 2368-6111
• Publisher: Avestia PublishingCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English