Hydrogen Storage & Supply

Hydrogen and Vacuum Technology in the Green Transition

Hydrogen is a key enabler in the global green transformation toward a more sustainable and low-carbon future. When produced using renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power—often referred to as “green hydrogen”—it emits no greenhouse gases during either production or use. This makes hydrogen an attractive energy carrier in applications ranging from fuel cell vehicles to industrial processes and energy storage.

However, the benefits of hydrogen can only be fully realized if it can be efficiently stored and transported, especially in its liquid form. Liquid hydrogen must be kept at cryogenic temperatures, which requires extremely well-insulated storage and transport systems to prevent evaporation and energy loss.

Cryogenic Storage and the Role of Vacuum Insulation

To minimize heat transfer, liquid hydrogen is stored in double-walled cryogenic tanks with an evacuated vacuum cavity between the inner and outer walls. This vacuum layer significantly reduces thermal conductivity, as the absence of air or other gases dramatically limits heat transfer via convection and conduction. Compared to conventional insulation materials, vacuum insulation offers superior thermal performance, making it essential for safe and efficient long-term storage of cryogenic liquids like hydrogen.

Ensuring stable insulation performance over time is critical. Any degradation of the vacuum insulation can result in a gradual rise in internal temperature, leading to increased boil-off losses and safety risks.

Accurate Vacuum Measurement for Reliable Tank Performance

During the manufacturing and maintenance of vacuum-insulated storage tanks, precise measurement of the insulation vacuum is crucial. The vacuum level must be verified before the cavity is sealed to ensure it meets the stringent requirements needed for long-term performance.

The VPM-5 SmartPirani vacuum gauge provides accurate pressure measurements down to 1E-6 mbar, enabling reliable verification of insulation vacuum levels during tank evacuation. Its wide measurement range and robust design make it ideal for use in cryogenic applications.

For field service and maintenance of hydrogen storage systems, the TVC-1 Display offers a compact, battery-powered solution for mobile technicians. It enables quick and accurate checks of the insulation vacuum, ensuring continued safety and performance of storage systems throughout their lifecycle.