Hydrogen pressure-based comparative and applicability analysis of different innovative Claude cycles for large-scale hydrogen liquefaction

The Claude cycle is the preferred option for large-scale hydrogen liquefaction. However, the thermophysical properties of hydrogen vary substantially around the critical temperature and are strongly affected by hydrogen pressure. This leads to the fact that the classic Claude cycle is not universal for hydrogen at different pressures. Three innovative Claude cycles have been proposed. The applicability of three hydrogen liquefaction cycles is evaluated from specific energy consumption (SEC) perspective. The classic Claude cycle (Cycle 1) is suitable for the liquefaction of hydrogen with pressure above 3500 kPa, and the SEC for the liquefaction of hydrogen at 3500 kPa is 5.02 kWh/kg_LH2. The Claude cycle (Cycle 2) with two cross-arranged refrigeration cycles is suitable for hydrogen with pressure between 2200 and 3500 kPa, and the SEC is 4.98 kWh/kg_LH2 for the liquefaction of hydrogen at 2500 kPa. The Claude cycle (Cycle 3) with a split-flow refrigeration cycle is suitable for hydrogen with pressure less than 2200 kPa, and the SEC for the liquefaction of hydrogen at 1500 kPa is 5.27 kWh/kg_LH2. Furthermore, the reasons for the SEC and applicability of three cycles being affected by hydrogen pressure are investigated by means of parametric analysis, heat exchanger performance analysis, and exergy analysis.