Research Progress and Trend Analysis of Hydrogen Liquefaction Technology

As a clean energy source, LH₂ is poised to play a pivotal role in future energy supplies. Currently, international hydrogen liquefaction facilities suffer from high energy consumption, high liquefaction costs, and low exergy efficiencies. In contrast, the development of cryogenic hydrogen liquefaction technologies and equipment in China is still in its infancy, significantly lagging behind advanced global standards. Against this backdrop, this paper summarizes the recent research advancements in hydrogen liquefaction technology, encompassing both process design and practical facilities. It delves into the latest developments in steady-state process simulation and dynamic characteristic studies, evaluating performance metrics across various liquefaction processes. Additionally, this paper provides an overview of the technical features and equipment layouts of large-scale hydrogen liquefaction plants and small-scale laboratory setups. Finally, it consolidates the key development priorities and future directions for hydrogen liquefaction technology, aiming to provide valuable guidance for technological progress and accelerate the widespread adoption of hydrogen energy.