Liquid hydrogen is primarily stored in large insulated tanks at the liquefaction plant.
To store hydrogen as a liquid, it must be cooled to extremely low temperatures, below −253°C (−423°F). This process, known as liquefaction, drastically reduces its volume compared to gaseous hydrogen, making storage and transport more efficient.
Understanding Liquid Hydrogen Storage
Storing liquid hydrogen presents unique challenges due to its cryogenic nature (extremely low temperature). The provided reference specifically details the initial storage method after it is liquefied.
Key Storage Method
Based on the reference, once hydrogen is liquefied:
- Location: It can be stored at the liquefaction plant.
- Container Type: It is stored in large insulated tanks.
These tanks are designed to maintain the ultra-cold temperature required to keep hydrogen in its liquid state and minimize boil-off (the evaporation of the liquid due to heat entering the tank).
Summary of Storage Based on Reference
| State | Temperature | Storage Location | Storage Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid Hydrogen | Below −253°C (−423°F) | At the liquefaction plant | Large insulated tanks |
Large insulated tanks are crucial for minimizing heat transfer from the warmer surroundings into the liquid hydrogen. The better the insulation, the less hydrogen is lost through evaporation over time.
