Cryogenic tanks show huge potential in storing hydrogen; research still going on to reduce inefficiencies associated with this storage method.
Here’s an article posted in PV Magazine.
According to the article,
- Cryogenic fuel tanks maintain temperatures below -253°C to transport hydrogen as a liquid, addressing the safety and storage efficiency issues of high-pressure gas-based storage methods.
- The energy required to cool hydrogen to a cryogenic liquid state is approximately 35% of its total energy, making it a promising storage solution.
- Cryogenic tanks offer a potential breakthrough in hydrogen storage, paving the way for safer and more efficient utilization of this clean energy source.
Although the technology of cryogenic hydrogen storage seems promising, it is also not entirely advantageous to implement at the moment.
Here are key points to note regarding the disadvantages of cryogenic hydrogen storage:
Our specialty focus areas include 
- Energy Losses: Cryogenic storage involves cooling hydrogen to -253°C. The net return for this method of storage is only around 39.1% of the input electrical energy after accounting for losses during storage and transport.
- Efficiency: The efficiency of liquid hydrogen storage is estimated at about 53%, meaning that a substantial portion of energy is lost during the liquefaction process and subsequent storage. This inefficiency makes cryogenic storage energetically expensive, particularly when compared to other methods.
- Capital and Operational Costs: The capital costs for cryogenic storage tanks can range from $30 to $50 per kilogram of hydrogen stored, in comparison to $3.00 to $7.00 per kilogram of hydrogen stored using compressed gas storage or $1.50 to $3.00 per kilogram using LOHCs.
These disadvantages, on the other hand however, show only the yet undiscovered potential of this technology, which in turn can be a significant breakthrough for the decarbonisation mission.
Interestingly, we have some other posts related to this content:
“New Hydrogen Storage Technology By CSIRO & Electrochemical Technologies Group” – This post discusses a hydrogen storage technology developed by the CSIRO Thermal and Electrochemical Technologies Group that aims to reduce the cost of hydrogen storage and delivery. “Green Hydrogen Storage for Buildings with HPS Technology” – This post highlights Home Power Solutions’ patented HPS technology, which is the world’s first green hydrogen-based, year-round electricity storage system for buildings available on the market. “Hydrogen Storage Using Iron Balls: New Technology by Students of Eindhoven” – This post reports on a technology developed by students at Eindhoven University of Technology that uses small iron balls to safely store and transport hydrogen.
