DOT Gap Analysis Revisited
Karen Hall, National Hydrogen Association

Hydrogen Energy Technologies Workshop: Safety, Installations, and Permitting
Patrick Serfass, National Hydrogen Association

Proposed Test Methodology and Performance Rating Standard for Residential Fuel Cell Systems
Mark W. Davis, Michael W. Ellis and Brian P. Dougherty, The National Institute of Standards and Technology

ISO 14687-2 Update (WG12)
Karen Hall, National Hydrogen Association

UK Hydrogen Fuel Cell Installation Guideline Update
Karen Hall, National Hydrogen Association

Activity Update: ISO TC 197 Working Group 9
Falco Thuis, Convener, ISO TC 197 WG 9

NHA Welcomes New C&S Steering Committee Leaders
Patrick Serfass, National Hydrogen Association

National Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Codes & Standards Coordinating Committee Teleconference - June 2006 Minutes
Russell Hewett, NREL

DOT Gap Analysis Revisited
Karen Hall, National Hydrogen Association

DOT has offered an opportunity to provide feedback on the DOT Report: "Hydrogen Infrastructure Safety Technical Assessment and Research Results Gap Analysis." To access this report, please click here.

Clearly DOT spent a lot of time on the report, and talked with many experts. The NHA certainly appreciates the need to look at potential gaps to ensure that existing regulations, or the lack of them, don't result in unanticipated delays in commercialization of hydrogen energy systems. In fact, the NHA has recently started a series of articles in the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Safety Report to begin a dialog with industry, government, and SDOs/CDOs to identify gaps in the standards activities, and ensure the existing activities fully meet the needs of the end users and regulators.

The NHA Codes and Standards Steering Committee is a small group of NHA members and experts that represent the broadest spectrum of hydrogen producers, suppliers, and users. Each Steering Committee member, therefore, has interests in some aspects of the report. The Steering Committee has decided to spend a bit of time to address their areas of interest, consulting with industry peers, in order to provide their sector's list of key issues, with sufficient background and justification. In this way, the NHA hopes to put together a report that includes a comprehensive list of issues and recommendations that DOT can use as it moves forward.

We are interested in working with all stakeholders, including readers of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Safety Report, the USFCC, and other members of the National Coordinating Committee to provide concise and useful feedback. Please feel free to contact me with any input your organization may have based on the DOT report.

Our goal is to have input from the Steering Committee in advance of our next telecon, scheduled for July 18. We would then review what we have, and begin to put it together in a report. We are hoping to be able to provide that to DOT no later than the next In-Person meeting of the National Codes & Standards Coordinating Committee - which is tentatively being planned for the second half of September in conjunction with the ICC Public Code Hearings in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

I am confident that the final result will be more useful to DOT and the hydrogen industry as we all move closer to a hydrogen energy economy.

Hydrogen Energy Technologies Workshop: Safety, Installations, and Permitting
Patrick Serfass, National Hydrogen Association

Preceding the main program for the Fuel Cell Seminar, the National Hydrogen Association will hold a ½-day workshop entitled "Hydrogen Energy Technologies - Safety, Installations, and Permitting."The workshop will be on Monday, November 13, 2006 in Honolulu, Hawaii at the Hawaii Convention Center.

"Hydrogen Energy Technologies" is aimed at technical individuals who would like to learn more about hydrogen energy technologies and the application of codes and standards that relate to them. The course will also be helpful to those involved with permitting hydrogen energy systems. National Hydrogen Association member experts and featured speakers will present technical data and lessons learned from real permitting and installation experiences.

Through the workshop you will:

  • Learn the status of key hydrogen standards, including hydrogen fuel, hydrides, electrolyzers, and storage and dispensing equipment;
     
  • Gain insight into the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute's fuel cell test facility with a focus on safety systems, permitting required and operation;
     
  • Understand the ever-changing US model codes that pertain to hydrogen energy technologies, including fuel cells and how they might apply to you; and
     
  • Become more familiar with an array of technical resources you can use beyond this workshop to keep abreast of changes in this evolving area.

Preliminary Agenda

1:00 pm

  • Welcome, National Hydrogen Association (NHA)
     
  • Overview of technologies and status of C&S for a selection of hydrogen energy technologies
    - Hydrogen fuel product specifications
    - Hydrides
    - Reformers & Hydrolysers
    - Hydrogen storage & Dispensing
     
  • Permitting Issues and Lessons Learned
    - How U.S. Model Codes apply to hydrogen energy technologies
    - Lessons Learned: Stationary Fuel Cell Installations
    - Lessons Learned: Hydrogen Fueling Station Installations
    - Lessons Learned: Safety and Permitting of the Hawaii Fuel Cell Test Facility
     
  • Technical Resources on Safety, Installations and Permitting
    - Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Permitting Guides
    - Hydrogen Incidents Reporting Tool
    - Hydrogen Safety Bibliographic Database
    - Web resources and more…

5:00 pm Adjourn

Registration
Early Registration $150 (Before October 13, 2006)
On-Site Registration $200
Student Registration $100

TO REGISTER:
Register online at:https://www.badgeguys.com/reg/fuelcell2006/register.aspx 
(You must choose an option that INCLUDES "Education Program" registration)

You may also print out the Registration Form (2525Kb) and follow the instructions at the bottom to mail or fax the form to:

Fuel Cell 2006
1959 Jester Circle
Lawrenceville, GA 30043 USA

Fax: 678.407.3237
Phone: (toll free) 877.842.3133
Phone: (direct) 972.395.1119
Email: fuelcell2006@badgeguys.com

For more information on the Fuel Cell Seminar, visit:http://www.fuelcellseminar.com .

Proposed Test Methodology and Performance Rating Standard for Residential Fuel Cell Systems
Mark W. Davis, Michael W. Ellis and Brian P. Dougherty

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has proposed a new performance rating system for residential fuel cells which can help prospective fuel cell buyers to evaluate fuel cell systems based on a standardized set of metrics. The standard would test fuel cells and then provide buyers with figures on annual net electricity used or generated, fuel consumption, water use, thermal energy output and other details that could be used to consider the value of different fuel cell systems. NIST expects to present their testing and performance-rating procedures to standard development organizations during the summer.

Full Report
"Proposed Test Methodology and Performance Rating Standard for Residential Fuel Cell Systems" (471Kb PDF)

Executive Summary
A test method and rating standard is proposed for residential fuel cell systems (RFCSs). The proposed approach extends previously developed test procedures for fuel cells by establishing specific test methods and calculation procedures that are applicable to residential fuel cell systems. These methods and procedures provide the end user with metrics that can be used to evaluate the merit of a RFCS in a particular application.

In the proposed standard, RFCSs are classified into four types: Type I - Grid independent, electrical load following; Type II - Grid interconnected, constant power; Type III - Grid interconnected, thermal load following; and Type IV - Grid interconnected, water heating. Test procedures are described that yield simplified models for the performance of each system based on appropriate load characteristics and ambient conditions.

For Type I systems, the steady fuel use, thermal energy output, and water use are expressed as functions of the electrical part-load ratio and the ambient temperature. In addition, the thermal energy output, electrical output, fuel use, and water use (for RFCS humidification) associated with a hot water simulated use test are evaluated as functions of electrical part-load ratio and ambient temperature. Transient electrical load factors are measured and applied to the thermal energy output and the fuel consumption to incorporate the system's performance under transient electrical loads.

For Type II systems, electrical power remains constant and the steady fuel use, thermal energy output, and water use are expressed as functions of ambient temperature. In addition, the thermal energy output, electrical output, fuel use, and water use (for RFCS humidification) associated with a hot water simulated use test are evaluated at rated power and specific values of ambient temperature.

For Type III systems, the system output follows the thermal load and the steady fuel use, electrical output, and water use are expressed as functions of thermal part-load ratio and ambient temperature. In addition, the electrical output, fuel use, and water use (for RFCS humidification) associated with a hot water simulated use test are evaluated at specific values of ambient temperature.

For Type IV systems, the system operates to meet the hot water requirement and the thermal energy output, electrical output, fuel use, and water use (for RFCS humidification) associated with a hot water simulated use test are evaluated at specific values of ambient temperature.

For each system type, steady and simulated use models are combined to predict the performance of the system in response to typical residential electrical and thermal loads for various representative climates. For units that draw ventilation air from the indoors, the performance is corrected to account for the energy required to condition outdoor air to replace the ventilation air. The annual performance is expressed in terms of the impact on the end user's net electricity use or generation), fuel use, and water use.

ISO 14687-2 Update (WG12)
Karen Hall, National Hydrogen Association

ISO 14687-2 Hydrogen fuel - Product Specification - Part 2: Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell applications for road vehicles is nearly ready for distribution to the ISO TC 197 Technical Committee.

Members of WG12 have been working to remove references to PEM fuel cells for road applications in ISO 14687 - Hydrogen Fuel - Product Specification, and to create a Technical Specification (TS) for a grade of hydrogen fuel for use in road vehicles using PEM fuel cells. The grades of hydrogen currently described in the standard have been deemed unsuitable for PEM fuel cells for road vehicle applications, as they allow for much higher levels of impurities than recent data has shown can be tolerated by the fuel cells. 

The Working Group has prepared a draft Technical Corrigendum to exclude hydrogen for PEM fuel cells for road vehicles from the existing standard. The Corrigendum will be circulated to all TC 197 country members at the same time as the draft TS.

WG 12 endorses a long-term R&D effort to develop consensus test protocols and procedures, testing, and data among the EU, Japan, the U.S., and other interested parties. These data are required to develop an international standard for hydrogen fuel quality. The WG12 Secretary invites all WG12 members to help supply data and contribute to the long-term plan. The TS will provide a mechanism to collect data from member countries that wish to contribute, with a goal of having sufficient confidence in developing the TS into an International Standard in about six years.

It is envisaged that a future need for other fuel cell applications (PEM for stationary, SOFC, Alkaline, etc.) may provide opportunities to expand the scope of the TS or create a new TS, however the current focus of the effort is on PEM fuel cells for road vehicles, consistent with the scope of the New Work Item Proposal which created this Working Group.

The draft is currently being prepared for a final WG12 review, following resolution of technical editing. Final revisions are being prepared for the Introduction. Industry is particularly interested in ensuring that the TS will not be used as a standard, and that future work reflects technological advancements by incorporating the lessons learned from ongoing research, development, and demonstration activities. Any application of this Technical Specification should take technological progress into account. 
WG12 expects the Draft International Specification to go to TC 197 for comment this month, and the Technical Specification to be published in October 2006.

UK Hydrogen Fuel Cell Installation Guideline Update
Karen Hall, National Hydrogen Association

Britain's Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are responsible for the regulation of almost all the risks to health and safety arising from work activity in Britain. Their mission is to protect people's health and safety by ensuring risks in the changing workplace are properly controlled. The HSE has taken a lead to bring UK industry stakeholders together to draft a Guideline for stationary appliances. Specifically, AN INSTALLATION GUIDE FOR HYDROGEN FUEL CELLS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

The joint UK government/industry group that is preparing a UK installation guideline for hydrogen fuel cells met on April 26 to continue their work.

The scope covers all stationary fuel cell devices/installations fuelled by hydrogen and ventilated to the outdoors. It does not apply where the hydrogen fuel is made by internal/adjacent reforming of other fuels. It also does not apply to portable or transport applications.

Recent progress with the draft is as follows: The HSE has agreed to assist with writing a paragraph at the beginning of the document describing hazards. There are a number of activities to validate separation distances. To facilitate broader review and input on the draft, the group agreed to remove the numbers on the separation distance tables until numbers could be validated.

The HSE Guideline Group will contact the new Chair of the United Kingdom Hydrogen Association to offer the document and ask for it to be posted on their website at www.ukha.org in advance of the next meeting, which is scheduled for September 12 in Buxton, UK.

Activity Update: ISO TC 197 Working Group 9
Falco Thuis, Convener, ISO TC 197 WG 9

It is my pleasure to report the work within ISO TC 197 working group 9 regarding fuel processing technologies is still on track. Encouraged by the beautiful weather and pleasant Paris atmosphere, the working group had a very productive and successful meeting at AFNOR June 6 and 7. Experts of Japan, Argentina, USA and The Netherlands were present at the meeting. The meeting's objective was to be ready for issuing both the Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) with regard to our safety standard and the draft CD regarding the performance of hydrogen generators. Please find detailed information below.

ISO/DIS 16110-1 "Hydrogen Generators Using Fuel Processing Technologies - Part 1: Safety"
The Draft International Standard (DIS) has been circulated for balloting by ISO Central half October 2005. All P-members except one voted in favor of the DIS. Based on this result, the DIS has been approved. To get the standard to the next level we extensively discussed all 169 comments received. We succeeded in addressing all comments and made the related changes to the standard. Only a few of the comments were considered critical. One of them was related to a change of the title by adding the word ''stationary" to reflect that the standard is only applicable to stationary applications. After discussion, the working group decided not to change the title. The group concluded the scope already excludes non-stationary applications and the current title is consistent with other ISO TC 197 standards.

As a result of our productive meeting, we are now ready to issue the FDIS to the ISO TC 197 secretary who will do a technical check and some editing work before circulating the FDIS for balloting.

Finally, I would like to thank all country experts providing us the valuable comments on the DIS. Please continue the good work even if some of your comments have been rejected by the working group.

ISO/CD 16110-2 standard "Hydrogen Generators Using Fuel Processing Technologies - Part 2: Test Methods for Performance"
As reported before (HFCSR, December 2005), the CDV on fuel cell system performance from IEC TC 105 Working Group 4 was used as a starting point. To get a better fit for hydrogen generators, the IEC draft was almost fully restructured.

The current standard provides methods to determine the relevant inputs and outputs of the hydrogen generator. It does not provide an equation to calculate the production efficiency of the hydrogen/hydrogen rich pissues that needsroduct. One of the main further discussion is the possible need for an equation to determine the hydrogen generator efficiency. Furthermore, if an equation is needed we have to determine the level of detail in the equation. Through the Committee Draft (CD), which has been sent to all member countries, we encourage the countries to give their input on this item taking into consideration the below thought.

Naturally, focusing on efficiency is only one aspect when comparing hydrogen generator performance. Customers purchasing hydrogen generators are interested in knowing various consumptions, such as: power rating, fuel gas input, air flow, etc. To adequately reflect this practice in the hydrogen generator and fuel cell industry, we sought to de-emphasize efficiency and instead promote the word 'performance' as is now also stressed in the title.

I would like to thank the all WG9 members (and their organizations) who for almost four years have reviewed in detail and discussed passionately and at length both documents. I would like to extend a special thanks to those who contributed in person and attended one of our working group meetings.

Further details about ÏSO TC 197 WG9 (deadlines, etc) can be found in: http://www.hydrogensafety.info/archives/2004/jul/5.html.

Contact info
Falco Thuis
Kiwa Gastec Certification
Falco.Thuis@kiwa.nl
+31 555 393 240

NHA Welcomes New C&S Steering Committee Leaders
Patrick Serfass, National Hydrogen Association

The NHA's Codes and Standards Steering Committee has new industry leadership to steer its Codes and Standards (C&S) Program. The NHA is pleased to announce that Dr. Christine Sloane and Mr. Tom Joseph have been elected to the Chair and Vice Chair positions respectively.

The NHA's C&S Program is designed to facilitate the development of model codes and standards that promote the safe application of hydrogen technologies and aid commercialization of products moving to market. The NHA is actively engaged in national and international codes and standards development in over a dozen working groups through approximately ten different organizations. In these groups, the NHA represents multiple member interests and technologies to make sure developing codes and standards create an atmosphere where new technologies can flourish. For more information about the NHA's various programs, visit the About the NHA Page:http://www.hydrogenassociation.org/about/

The NHA C&S Steering Committee is a diverse group of NHA members representing all sectors from hydrogen production to end use who guide the C&S Program by shifting focus and resources to the areas of greatest need.

Christine Sloane
Currently, Dr. Sloane leads General Motor's global team for hydrogen and fuel cell vehicle safety and performance standards development. She coordinates development of GM policy and technical strategy across safety, engineering and public policy requirements and ensures global consistency in GM interaction with government and professional industry organizations.

Previously, Dr. Sloane directed GM participation in the U.S. FreedomCAR program, which included R&D to advance fuel cell power systems, and earlier served as chief technologist for the development and demonstration team for Precept, GM's 80 mile-per-gallon 5-passenger HEV concept vehicle. She has served as public policy director responsible for environmental impact issues involving advanced technology vehicles and her early research interests included air quality, and manufacturing & vehicle emissions. In the process, Dr. Sloane has authored over 80 technical papers, co-edited one book, served on several boards of professional organizations and numerous National Academy of Science panels. She received her PhD from MIT in chemical physics.

Tom Joseph
Mr. Joseph is a Mechanical Engineer from Calicut University in India. He started his career in one of the major Petrochemical companies in India in 1978 and moved to the United States in 1985 where he worked for Biotech companies for 5 years. He completed his Masters in Mechanical engineering from Drexel University in Philadelphia and MBA from Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

In 1991, Mr. Joseph joined Air Products and has worked in areas related to Cryogenics and Hydrogen Technologies since then. He has a number of US patents issued in his name, related to Cryogenic Helium and Hydrogen.

Currently, Mr. Joseph is the Business Development Manager for Air Products' Future Energy Solutions group. He's responsible for the commercialization of distribution, storage and dispensing technologies developed for hydrogen as a fuel. In addition to his position with the NHA, Mr. Joseph represents Air Products in many different regulatory and industry organizations, responsible for developing standards. He's a member of hydrogen related committees formed by other standards organizations like ASME, CSA, NFPA, and ISO. He's chaired a number of committees within Compressed Gas Association and is the current chair for the committee on storage and distribution.