Hydrogen technology is a major factor in the future of clean energy. But the success of storing and transporting liquid hydrogen is key to its viability. Hydrogen needs to be transported as a liquid, not a gas, because it can be reduced to 1/800 the volume. However, hydrogen is liquefied at a very low temperature of -253 °C, so a high-performance insulation system for the tanks and the main materials involved is critical.
(3M: St. Paul, MN) — 3M and HD Hyundai Korea Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (KSOE) have signed a joint research project agreement to develop large liquid hydrogen storage tanks using glass bubbles from 3M– high-strength, low-density hollow glass microspheres. The collaborative research will focus on developing a high-performance vacuum insulation system for liquified hydrogen storage and transportation.
“Through this agreement, we hope to successfully build a technology collaboration system that can lead the world in the field of liquified hydrogen storage and transportation,” says Dr. Kwang pil Jang, president of the Future Technology Research Institute. “We are very excited to collaborate with 3M, which currently produces one of the highest-performing insulation products in the world. HD KSOE will surely lead the future hydrogen society through synergy with 3M based on the global top technology we have accumulated so far.”
Under the agreement, the two companies will collaborate on insulation and construction workability evaluations, demonstrations, and classification approvals for the application of 3M’s glass bubbles to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ advanced thermal insulation system for hydrogen storage tanks. Through this, the two companies hope to capture the initial volume of orders for high-value-added ships based on ultragap technologies in the rapidly approaching hydrogen society, and further strengthen the competitiveness of the domestic shipbuilding industry.
“This collaboration is a major step forward in the pursuit of making hydrogen technologies available at scale,” says Coleman. “3M’s glass bubbles offer significant advantages over traditional cryogenic insulation materials when it comes to thermal efficiency and durability. We’re thrilled to lend our expertise and world-class materials science in the hydrogen value chain.”
“We are honored to conduct joint research with 3M on insulation materials for hydrogen storage tanks,” says Kim Sung-jun, CEO of HD KSOE.