Energy dynamics and power evaluation method of high pressure hydrogen storage tank explosion

Understanding the generation, transformation, and dissipation mechanisms of energy in high-pressure tanks during fire scenarios is of critical significance for the consequence assessment of explosion accidents. This study investigates the differences in properties between high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks and nitrogen tanks under fire conditions through comparative experiments. Fire tests were conducted using 6.8L-30MPa type Ⅲ tanks. The results indicate that fire exposure can significantly impair the pressure-bearing capacity of the tanks. Specifically, the critical bursting pressure decreased from 125.1 MPa at room temperature to 46.8 MPa under fire conditions, representing a reduction of 62.6%. The explosion dynamics of hydrogen tanks were characterized by typical physical-chemical composite features. A fireball with a diameter of 9 m was formed during the explosion. The peak shockwave pressure measured at a distance of 2 m reached 882.47 kPa, with a positive pressure duration of 168.11 ms. In contrast, nitrogen tanks experienced only physical explosions, with a peak shockwave pressure of 59.42 kPa and a positive pressure duration of merely 2.17 ms. This study analyzed the energy conversion pathways during explosions of high-compressed gas tanks (H₂ and N₂) in open environments. A novel method for assessing the blast power of hydrogen storage cylinder explosions in unconfined spaces was developed. Initially, the physical explosion energy was calculated based on fundamental parameters such as critical burst pressure, nominal volume, and initial filling pressure of the high-pressure tanks. The applicability of five mechanical energy calculation models was compared. Subsequently, the mass of hydrogen was determined using the actual gas equation, and the total chemical explosion energy was derived by integrating the heat of combustion of hydrogen. Finally, considering the contributions of mechanical and chemical energy to the shock wave intensity, the total explosion energy was converted into shock wave energy using an open space energy correction factor. Quantitative analysis and error verification were conducted in conjunction with measured data. The findings of this research provide essential support for enhancing risk assessment of explosion accidents involving high-pressure hydrogen storage devices.