Analysis of hydrogen leakage and diffusion and hazardous zone division in confined space based on COMSOL

doi:10.16265/j.cnki.issn1003-3033.2026.09.0879

Abstract

Abstract:

To enhance risk prevention in hydrogen energy application scenarios, the COMSOL Multiphysics software was used to simulate hydrogen leakage and diffusion in confined spaces. A two-dimensional geometric model was constructed to systematically study hydrogen mass concentration distribution characteristics under varying leakage aperture sizes, wind speeds, obstacle heights, and distances between obstacles and leakage apertures. Mass concentration distribution maps and contour plots were generated to reveal hydrogen leakage and diffusion patterns. Based on hydrogen explosion limit, flammable and explosive hazardous zones were delineated, and the temporal evolution of hazardous ranges was quantified. The findings indicate that larger leakage apertures result in more extensive hydrogen cloud volumes, with the horizontal diffusion distance increasing by approximately 2 m at t=15 s for a 40 mm aperture compared to a 20 mm one, significantly elevating hazard levels. Obstacles alter diffusion pathways and inhibit vertical propagation, reducing the vertical diffusion distances by 1.5 m for obstacles of 4 m height relative to unobstructed conditions, though excessively tall obstacles may cause localized high-concentration accumulations.

Key words: COMSOL Multiphysics, confined spaces, hydrogen, leakage and diffusion, hazardous zones

CLC Number:

X937

Mu Shifang, Wang Zhonglan, Shang Rujing, Ji Wentao, Wang Yan. Analysis of hydrogen leakage and diffusion and hazardous zone division in confined space based on COMSOL[J]. China Safety Science Journal, 2026, 36(9): 71-77.

Figures/Tables 12

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参数	数值	参数	数值
试验箱宽度/m	8	障碍物宽度/m	0.1
试验箱高度/m	8	障碍物与泄漏孔中心的水平距离/m	0.5
泄漏孔径/m	0.02	障碍物高度/m	1
泄漏孔高度/m	0.04	泄漏速度/(m/s)	5

模拟变量	模拟数值
泄漏孔径/mm	20、40
障碍物高度/m	1、4
障碍物与泄漏孔间距/m	0.5、2
风速/(m/s)	0、3