What is your research topic seeking to answer/explain?
Liquid hydrogen (LH2) produced by electrolysis and other renewable energy offers a clean energy solution for storage and long-distance transport. Hydrogen gas produced renewably is liquified at 20K (-253 C) and stored in well-insulated tanks to prevent boil-off losses. Boil-off rates in LH2 storage tanks are a significant concern, impacting economic viability and environmental sustainability. Boil-off occurs due to heat ingress from the environment in storage and sloshing of LH2. In particular, the boil-off due to sloshing in large-scale storage under transport is poorly understood and critical to enabling the use of LH2 as a clean energy solution. This project aims to study sloshing behaviour in LH2 tanks through numerical (computational fluid dynamics) modelling. Also, this approach offers the platform to study the physics behind the loss in liquid hydrogen transportation and test various strategies for minimising it. An experimentally validated strategy will be implemented in day-to-day hydrogen transportation.
How is your research going to contribute to STEM research in Australia and India?
Australia and India are countries working proactively and collaboratively to develop new energy sectors. Last year, India and Australia established a Green Hydrogen Taskforce, comprising Australian and Indian experts in renewable hydrogen. This research outcome will help India set up manufacturing and storage units in Australia, contributing to India's aim to produce five million metric tonnes of hydrogen annually by 2030 under its National Hydrogen Mission. This research recognises prospects for innovation and research development and deployment that capitalise on industry gaps, strengths, talents, and endowments in natural resources and achieve the continued goal of achieving green hydrogen technology delivered cost under $2 AUD/ INR 100 per kg there, empowering business opportunities to benefit industry, transportation, and households. Adequate hydrogen transportation is crucial in achieving large-scale, long-distance hydrogen transport and empowering countries' economies.
What are you most excited for during your trip to Australia?
Upon relocating from Australia to Germany as a dual degree student, I discovered that my connection to Melbourne, Australia, remained strong due to the relationships I formed and the rich cultural environment I experienced during my master’s program. It is a privilege to engage in research at the esteemed Monash University. I am confident that this scholarship will significantly enhance my credentials, and I am proud to represent the Indian Diaspora in my beloved second home, Australia. As an aspiring Indian research student, I am eager to collaborate with the university and stakeholders, participate in events, attend workshops, and promote the Maitri Scholars and other programs offered by the Centre. These engagements will afford me the opportunity to network with distinguished individuals nationwide. I am enthusiastic about serving as a liaison between talented Indian scholars and Australian universities.