The Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute’s (KERI) Hydrogen Electric Research Team has introduced an innovative, portable device for evaluating safety valves for liquid hydrogen. This groundbreaking system, which combines liquid hydrogen production with performance evaluation in one device, supports the growth of the hydrogen economy and marks a significant advancement in hydrogen safety technology. Launched on “Hydrogen Day”, designated by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy to symbolize the element H2, this system is poised to draw attention from across the industry.
The production of liquid hydrogen involves cooling hydrogen gas to an ultra-low temperature of –253°C, condensing it into a liquid 800 times denser than its gaseous form. Liquid hydrogen is easier and safer to store and transport, offering advantages that could accelerate its distribution across the nation. However, liquid hydrogen storage and transport require maintaining cryogenic conditions and consistent internal pressure, managed by specialized safety valves. These valves automatically release excess gas to regulate tank pressure, essential for safe long-term storage and transport.
Until now, the domestic infrastructure for liquid hydrogen production and testing has been limited, presenting challenges for safety valve manufacturers. In the absence of accessible liquid hydrogen, manufacturers have resorted to testing with liquid nitrogen or costly liquid helium, resulting in less accurate performance verification. KERI’s new device addresses this gap, integrating liquid hydrogen production and safety valve performance evaluation into one system, enabling real-time, seamless testing of components.
KERI’s expertise in cryogenic technology, including its “Zero Boil-off” system—an advanced cooling technology that prevents liquid hydrogen loss—has already positioned the institute as a leader in hydrogen research. Building on this, the new device is optimized for evaluating safety valves used in 3-ton liquid hydrogen tank trailers. It is designed for portability, allowing companies to install and operate it in confined spaces. The device has also passed extensive safety testing within KERI’s explosion-proof chamber, ensuring compliance with rigorous standards.
Rock-kil Ko, Director of the Hydrogen Electric Research Team, highlighted the global need for reliable safety valve performance evaluation under real-world conditions. “Our system facilitates safe and straightforward liquid hydrogen production and safety valve testing in compact spaces, which will strengthen our nation’s competitive edge in the hydrogen industry,” Ko said.
Looking ahead, KERI plans to enhance the device’s capabilities to accommodate higher pressures and larger hydrogen volumes. The institute will collaborate with organizations like Korea Gas Corporation to ensure compliance with all safety standards, anticipating interest from manufacturers and technology transfer opportunities. This research was funded by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy and the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning, as part of the “3,000 kg Capacity Tank Trailer Development and Demonstration Project for Liquid Hydrogen Transportation.”
