Analysis of the Impact of Vault Structures on Hydrogen Behavior and Risks in Hydrogen Production Plants

Abstract

The safety risks associated with hydrogen production plants are significant and warrant close attention. Investigating the effects of vault structures on the dispersion and risks of leaked hydrogen can inform assessments of how facility structures influence hydrogen behavior, providing a theoretical framework for the secure layout of hydrogen production plants. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software ansys fluent was employed in this research to establish a model of a hydrogen production plant. Simulations were conducted to assess hydrogen dispersion and the distribution of flammable clouds under various vault heights. Results indicate that, upon reaching the vault, hydrogen forms a high-concentration accumulation layer along the ceiling wall, subsequently diffusing downward before ultimately rising and diluting. An increase in the vault height was shown to alter the hydrogen dispersion path, enhance atmospheric dilution, and effectively suppress the development of flammable clouds, thereby reducing the likelihood of an explosion. However, the optimal vault height should be selected based on a comprehensive consideration of the plant's specific operational requirements.