In the quest to optimize the storage and handling of liquefied natural gas (LNG), researchers at ITMO University have made significant strides in understanding the cooling processes of cryogenic storage facilities. Led by Ya. E. Rodkin, the team’s latest findings, published in ‘Омский научный вестник: Серия “Авиационно-ракетное и энергетическое машиностроение”‘ (Omsk Scientific Bulletin: Series “Aerospace and Energy Engineering”), delve into the intricacies of cooling down these massive structures, offering insights that could revolutionize the energy sector.
The process of preparing a cryogenic storage facility for operation involves several critical steps, including inerting, substitution, and chilling. Chilling, in particular, is crucial as it cools the storage tank structure to an astonishing 143 Kelvin (-130°C or -202°F), reducing the amount of regasified gas during loading and storage. This not only enhances efficiency but also minimizes the risk of low-temperature stresses and potential emergencies.
Rodkin and his team focused on comparing two-phase and convective cooling methods. Their approach involved using the Kantorovich–Bubnov–Galerkin method to model non-stationary heat exchange within the storage facility’s insulating structure. This sophisticated technique allows for the derivation of approximate analytical solutions that describe temperature fields and cooling dynamics with remarkable precision.
“The ability to accurately model these processes is a game-changer,” Rodkin explained. “It enables us to predict and optimize cooling strategies, ensuring that LNG storage facilities operate at peak efficiency and safety.”
The research provides detailed dependencies of temperature and pressure changes on the inner wall of the tank during cooling with methane and air over time. Additionally, the team constructed graphs of isotherms in the gas space of the tank during convective cooling with air, offering a visual representation of the cooling dynamics.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As the demand for LNG continues to grow, driven by its cleaner-burning properties compared to other fossil fuels, the need for efficient and safe storage solutions becomes ever more pressing. By understanding and optimizing the cooling processes, energy companies can enhance the reliability and safety of their LNG storage facilities, ultimately leading to more stable and cost-effective operations.
Moreover, the analytical modeling techniques developed by Rodkin’s team could be applied to other cryogenic applications, from space exploration to advanced manufacturing. The ability to predict and control temperature fields and cooling dynamics opens up new avenues for innovation across various industries.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the work of Rodkin and his colleagues at ITMO University stands as a testament to the power of scientific inquiry in driving technological progress. Their research, published in the Omsk Scientific Bulletin: Series “Aerospace and Energy Engineering,” not only advances our understanding of cryogenic storage but also paves the way for future developments in the field. The energy industry is on the cusp of a new era, and the insights gained from this study will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping its future.
