Innovative Collaboration: CB&I and Shell Introduce Revolutionary Liquid Hydrogen Storage Tank Concept at NASA
Key Ideas
  • CB&I, Shell, and partners unveil a groundbreaking liquid hydrogen storage tank design at NASA, enabling international trade applications.
  • The project, backed by the US Department of Energy, aims to revolutionize large-scale LH2 storage with cost-effective non-vacuum insulation.
  • The collaboration between industry, academia, and government agencies highlights the potential for more competitive and economical liquid hydrogen storage solutions.
  • The innovative tank concept is a significant step towards enhancing the global hydrogen trade infrastructure and advancing energy economy with flexible storage options.
CB&I, in partnership with Shell International Exploration and Production, Inc., GenH2, and the University of Houston, has successfully completed a pioneering liquid hydrogen (LH2) storage tank design at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The project, supported by the US Department of Energy, introduced a novel non-vacuum tank concept for large-scale LH2 storage, aiming to offer a cost advantage compared to traditional vacuum insulated tanks. This innovative design was tested through the construction of a small-scale LH2 demonstration tank at NASA MSFC, demonstrating the behavior of materials under cryogenic conditions. The collaboration emphasizes the power of collective expertise from industry, academia, and government to overcome technological challenges. Shell's General Manager of Hydrogen Technology highlighted the project's potential to reduce costs and accelerate commercialization of large-scale liquid hydrogen storage. The University of Houston's Vice President of Energy and Innovation noted the pivotal advancement in storing liquid hydrogen at scale using a non-vacuum design, which could boost global hydrogen trade infrastructure. The project, reflecting American energy innovation, showcases collaborative efforts to drive advancements in hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels markets. With over 60 years of partnership with NASA, CB&I has significantly contributed to various space missions, including the Apollo and Gemini programs. The completion of this innovative liquid hydrogen storage tank signifies a remarkable milestone in the energy sector, offering a more flexible and affordable approach to global hydrogen trade and storage.
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