NCC to accelerate UK’s cryogenic storage capabilities

NCC said its UK-based composite cryogenic storage tank testing programme will validate and accelerate design, manufacture, and test capabilities, starting with a linerless carbon fibre tank for storing liquid hydrogen (LH2).

Cryogenic storage tanks will be required in hydrogen-powered aircraft due to come into service in the mid-2030s. Most designs for storing LH2 have centred around relatively heavy metallic tanks, while composite tanks developed in the space industry tend to be suited to low cycle applications. In comparison, commercial hydrogen aircraft will need fuel tanks to be as light as possible, undergo high cycles, and last for several decades.

To support the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy, the NCC said it is developing underpinning knowledge for composite cryogenic storage tanks and testing by developing product demonstrators with increasing complexity. Its engineers have also created and built a range of comprehensive cryogenic concepting and design tools to help UK organisations overcome known engineering challenges.