Numerical Analysis of the Influence of Frost Layers on the Heat Transfer Characteristics of Cryogenic Valves for Polar LNG Ships

Shengpeng Li, Baolong Lin, Xu Bai (), Pengyu Wei, Lian Wang and Ruonan Zhang
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Shengpeng Li: China Ship Scientific Research Center, Wuxi 214082, China
Baolong Lin: School of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212003, China
Xu Bai: School of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212003, China
Pengyu Wei: China Ship Scientific Research Center, Wuxi 214082, China
Lian Wang: National Key Laboratory of Ship Structural Safety, Wuxi 214082, China
Ruonan Zhang: National Key Laboratory of Ship Structural Safety, Wuxi 214082, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 2, 1-25

Abstract: To investigate the impact of frost-layer formation on the heat transfer characteristics of cryogenic valves in LNG vessels, this study derived the temporal variation in the valve’s temperature field based on the thermodynamic characteristic parameters of the low-temperature valve. Additionally, a frost formation model was developed for the drip tray. This considered the physical model characteristics of the tray, and the frost thickness was calculated for different times. The morphology of the calculated frost layer was coupled with the low-temperature valve model for heat transfer calculations to explore the influence of the frost layer on valve heat transfer characteristics. The results show that, in the initial stage of frost formation, the frost layer acts similarly to a finned heat sink, enhancing the thermal exchange efficiency at the surface of the drip tray, which results in a temperature increase in the drip tray and stuffing box compared to the frost-free condition. However, as the frost layer grows on the surface of the drip tray, the surface heat transfer resistance increases, gradually diminishing the enhancing effect of the frost layer on the heat dissipation of the drip tray. The results validate the dual role of the frost layer in the heat transfer process of low-temperature valves, providing important insights for the design and optimization of such valves.

Keywords: LNG ships; cryogenic valves; heat transfer characteristics; frost-layer effects (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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