A CFD simulation of hydrogen dispersion for the hydrogen leakage from a fuel cell vehicle in an underground parking garage

In the present study, the dispersion process of hydrogen leaking from an FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle) in an underground parking garage is analyzed with numerical simulations in order to assess hazards and associated risks of a leakage accident. The temporal and spatial evolution of the hydrogen concentration as well as the flammable region in the parking garage was predicted numerically. The volume of the flammable region shows a non-linear growth in time with a latency period. The effects of the leakage flow rate and an additional ventilation fan were investigated to evaluate the ventilation performance to relieve accumulation of the hydrogen gas. It is found that expansion of the flammable region is delayed by the fan via enhanced mixing near the boundary of the flammable region. The present numerical results can be useful to analyze safety issues in automotive applications of hydrogen.

► We analyzed the dispersion of hydrogen leaking from an FCV in a parking garage.
► The temporal and spatial dispersion of the hydrogen was predicted numerically.
► Resultant volume of the flammable region was compared for various scenarios.
► The effectiveness of a ventilation fan was also assessed.