CB&I Tests Non-Vacuum Hydrogen Storage at NASA Facility

The 20-cubic-meter tank represents a significant shift from traditional storage methods. By replacing vacuum-based systems with non-vacuum insulation, the company aims to simplify the infrastructure required for high-throughput hydrogen applications. The unit effectively triples the storage capacity of the Hydrogen Test Facility, allowing for daily refills and rapid thermal cycling to stress-test the system.

This pilot program is a collaborative effort involving Shell, GenH2, and the University of Houston. Over the next several months, the partners will monitor the tank’s performance to gather data for potential commercial deployment. Yogesh Meher, Vice President of Engineering at CB&I, noted that the successful fill validates a more cost-effective pathway for the hydrogen economy at scale. The company brings extensive history to the site, having constructed over 130 liquid hydrogen spheres since its initial work on the Apollo program in the 1960s.