A Conceptual Pre-Standardization Framework for the Land-Based Test and Evaluation of Liquid Hydrogen Fuel Tank and Supply Systems

Abstract

In response to the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s greenhouse gas reduction targets and the growing demand for decarbonization in the maritime sector, the development of hydrogen-fueled ship technologies has gained increasing attention. Liquid hydrogen (LH2) is regarded as a promising marine fuel due to its high energy density per unit volume when liquefied at −253 °C, enabling large-scale storage and transportation. However, critical technical challenges remain in cryogenic storage, transfer, vaporization processes, and safety assurance. This study proposes a conceptual pre-standardization framework for land-based evaluation of LH2 fuel tank and supply systems, supported by preliminary validation using LN2 surrogate tests. The protocol is established through a reinterpretation of existing international and domestic standards (KGS AC111, ISO/TR 15916, CGA H-3) and adapted to Korean demonstration environments. Test items were categorized into (i) supply performance (flow and pressure), (ii) vaporization and heating performance (temperature), and (iii) safety functions, with acceptance criteria benchmarked against international guidelines. To overcome the significant safety and cost constraints of handling actual LH2, liquid nitrogen (LN2) was applied as a surrogate medium to enable preliminary validation under safe and practical conditions, and process simulations are proposed as a future pathway for comprehensive verification. The results highlight not only the application but also the localization and refinement of global standards into a practical protocol for small- to medium-sized ship applications. This protocol is expected to serve as a critical reference for subsequent sea trials and commercialization, thereby contributing to the advancement of eco-friendly marine fuel technologies and strengthening international competitiveness in the hydrogen powered shipping sector.