Norwegian firm CryoVac has received an Approval in Principle (AiP) from DNV for its vacuum insulation technology to store liquid hydrogen.
Storing and transporting hydrogen typically involves cooling the substance to around -253°C so that it is in liquid form. This extreme cold can cause steel to become brittle, potentially compromising the safety and durability of the tanks used to carry it. CryoVac has developed a liquid hydrogen containment system that uses a new type of vacuum insulation panel, called CryoPan, to create an efficient, lightweight system. The design incorporates hexagonal panels welded into continuous surfaces, offering strong insulation and reducing the evaporation of hydrogen.
‘This is an important milestone for CryoVac,’ says the company’s CEO, Aage Bjørn Andersen. ‘It allows us to bring our vacuum insulation system to market and start working with shipowners and designers who want to lead the way in liquid hydrogen shipping.’
The next step for CryoVac is to develop a 45,000m3, long-haul liquid hydrogen carrier comprising three cargo holds each holding a 15,000m3 tank.
