KOTO Engineering Company Limited is proud to have successfully delivered a CFD gas dispersion and fire modelling study for an electrolyzer unit, supporting ILF Consulting Engineers Germany GmbH. This project highlights KOTO’s advanced capabilities in applying high-fidelity simulation to address emerging challenges in hydrogen and clean energy systems.
The study focused on a critical safety scenario involving the simultaneous venting of 11 hydrogen vents, representing a conservative and high-impact release case. Hydrogen, due to its low molecular weight, high diffusivity, and wide flammability range, presents unique challenges in dispersion and fire risk assessment. As such, a detailed CFD-based approach was essential to accurately capture the behavior of the gas cloud and evaluate potential hazards.
Using advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling, KOTO simulated the dispersion characteristics of hydrogen under realistic operating and environmental conditions, taking into account factors such as vent configuration, release rates, wind conditions, and surrounding geometry. The analysis provided detailed insights into gas concentration profiles, identifying potential accumulation zones and the extent of flammable cloud formation.
In addition to dispersion modelling, the study also evaluated potential fire scenarios, including the development of thermal radiation contours resulting from ignition of the hydrogen cloud. The results enabled the assessment of thermal impact on personnel, equipment, and nearby structures, supporting the definition of safe separation distances and mitigation measures.
A key outcome of the study was the identification of areas with elevated risk due to simultaneous venting, as well as recommendations for optimizing vent arrangement, improving ventilation, and enhancing safety system design. The findings provide a robust technical basis for risk reduction, facility layout optimization, and compliance with international safety standards.
This project demonstrates KOTO Engineering’s ability to deliver high-quality, performance-based safety assessments for advanced energy technologies. As hydrogen continues to play an increasingly important role in the global energy transition, KOTO remains committed to supporting clients with innovative engineering solutions and deep process safety expertise.
Through this collaboration with ILF Consulting Engineers, KOTO reinforces its position as a trusted partner in delivering cutting-edge CFD modelling and process safety consulting services for complex and future-oriented projects.
