Topology Optimization of Support for LH2 Storage Tank
Carbon neutrality by 2050 was declared and are focusing on developing innovative energy technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Active investment and research are underway in the full-cycle development of hydrogen energy technologies, including hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and utilization, which is gaining attention as a promising future eco-friendly energy source. The storage density of liquid hydrogen is 70.79kg/m3, which is higher than the 41kg/m3 of compressed hydrogen at 700bar, making it more suitable for large-scale storage. To store hydrogen at 20K, insulation technologies such as vacuum insulation, powder insulation, or multi-layer insulation (MLI) are typically required. Consequently, there is active research being conducted on the design of insulation systems and materials. However, research on the design for improving the structural integrity of the supports between the inner and outer tanks remains insufficient. n this study, topology optimization was performed for the support design of a liquid hydrogen storage tank using commercial finite element analysis (FEA) software. The structural safety was validated through structural analysis of a simplified self-designed model.