May 2011 Safety Report
Brussels RCS Workshop Reveals Industry Perspectives
Karen Hall, Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association, and Anthony Brenninkmeijer, FuelCellEurope
FCHEA Launches New Task Force on Hydrogen Sensors
Robert Wichert, Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association
Weights and Measures News
Juana Williams and Marc Buttler, NIST
Hydrogen Safety Engineering Program Celebrates 5-year Anniversary
Vladimir Molkov, HySAFER Centre, University of Ulster
CGA Task Force Seeks Hydrogen Experts
Laura Brumsey, Compressed Gas Association, Inc.
National Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Codes & Standards Coordinating Committee Teleconference - Draft May 2011 Minutes
(525 kb PDF) Chad Blake, NREL
National Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Codes & Standards Coordinating Committee Teleconference - Approved April 2011 Minutes (429 kb PDF) Chad Blake, NREL
Brussels RCS Workshop Reveals Industry Perspectives
Karen Hall, Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association, and Anthony Brenninkmeijer, FuelCellEurope
The second of a series of six European workshops on fuel cells and hydrogen with the aim of advancing the debates on market uptake was held on 11 May 2011, in Brussels, Belgium.
Anthony Brenninkmeijer from FuelCellEurope, chaired this groundbreaking workshop titled: "The gaps, perspectives and barriers in Regulations, Codes and Standards for the market deployment of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies."
The workshop provided an opportunity to discuss and debate the role of Regulations, Codes and Standards (RCS) for the deployment of fuel cell technologies, with a particular focus on the RCS development process and the impacts they have on the industry. The needs of the industry in terms of RCS for different applications and market areas were presented in the form of recent case studies.
Session 1: Overview and expertise on RCS for FCH technologies
- FCH RCS landscape and approach in EU, Dr. Pietro Moretto, JRC European Commission
Dr. Moretto described how pre-normative research fits into the landscape of developing standards and regulations. Implementation of regulations for hydrogen energy systems such as storage can help reduce the need for excessive risk assessment and HAZOPs, as equipment may be certified as meeting the basic requirements. Regulations may reference equipment standards. There is also a need for installation and implementation guidance for Member States. Although EC type-approval of vehicles is an EU-wide regulation, where the vehicle can drive or park is up to the individual Member States. Tunnels and bridges are a particular area where there is lack of harmonization in implementation. Bonfire testing of tanks could also benefit from pre-normative research to address issues relating to localized fires. - Engaging with the industry to develop RCS, Karen Hall,Technology Transition Corporation
Mrs. Hall described the role of associations in gaining consensus on developing standards, as well as results of a recent survey of the hydrogen and fuel cell industry in the UK. The survey of members of the UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association indicated industry values international standards and the opportunity to contribute to their development through association activities as well as individually when commercialization timeframes warrant doing so. She also provided a brief overview of recent activities in key shipping regulations for fuel cell systems, courtesy of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA).
- RCS in the hydrogen industry, Frédéric Barth, Air Liquide
Mr. Barth described the process of achieving certification of products in Europe. He also noted that EU-wide coordination of RCS activities could significantly improve the process and help stakeholders understand the technologies as well as the RCS for hydrogen and fuel cell energy systems. This concept of an RCS Strategy Coordination function is currently under discussion in Europe. - Achieving certification for the commercialisation of stationary products, Dr. Graham Cooley, ITM Power
Dr. Graham Cooley presented the process recently used by ITM-Power to certify their products. Details are available on their website at http://www.itm-power.com.
HBox certification news is available on ITM-Power’s website athttp://www.itm-power.com/news/64/
HBox+CE+Certification.html
HFlame certification news is available at
http://www.itm-power.com/news/63/
HFlame+CE+Certification.html
HFuel compliance information is available at
http://www.itm-power.com/news/61/
HFuel+Compliance+.html - Achieving certification for the commercialisation of transport products, Dennis Hayter, Intelligent Energy
Mr. Dennis Hayter described the process taken by Intelligent Energy and Suzuki to certify the Suzuki Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter to the Whole Vehicle Type Approval scheme. Details are available on the Intelligent Energy website athttp://www.intelligent-energy.com/
news_events_and_press/news/85/.
- Perspectives on the integration between research, innovation and standards, John Ketchell, CEN-CENELEC
Mr. John Ketchell noted that standards are now considered critical in Europe for innovation. He also described the three recognized European bodies of standardization, which are:
CEN – The European Committee for Standardisation
CENELEC - European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
ETSI - The European Telecommunications Standards Institute - Perspectives on the interaction between standardisation and regulatory bodies: Dr. Georgios Tsotridis, JRC European Commission
Dr. Tsotridis described the new approach directives which have contributed significantly to the development of the Single Market. More information is available at www.newapproach.org. He also described projects developing pre-normative research with JRC involvement. These projects are a part of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking.
www.fuelcelleurope.orgsecretariat@fuelcelleurope.org
FCHEA Launches New Task Force on Hydrogen Sensors
Robert Wichert, Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association
The inaugural meeting of the FCHEA Hydrogen Sensors Task Force was held on Thursday, May 5, 2011. The idea for this Task Force was developed in the Fuel Cell Fork Lift Task Group as well as during review of CSA FC1, where it was noted that there are currently conflicting sensor requirements for hydrogen systems.
The new Task Force will take a look at existing national and international requirements for hydrogen detection, and decide whether additional guidance is needed. If so, the group will discuss how such work might be accomplished, and identify additional stakeholders as necessary.
The next meeting, which is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 15, will include an overview of the NREL/DOE Hydrogen Sensor Workshop that is taking place on June 8th, as well as a review of existing requirements for sensors for fork lift applications in the California building codes. Over the coming months the group will establish a scope and identify stakeholders to invite to participate in discussions.
Hydrogen sensor manufacturers and other stakeholders are encouraged to join this effort and help develop the scope of the Task Force. For more information please contact Robert Wichert atwichert@fchea.org.
Weights and Measures News
Juana Williams and Marc Buttler, NIST
NIST Weights and Measures Division reported to the May 2011 NHFCCSCC on the progress of work in the U.S. weights and measures community to develop commercial hydrogen measurement standards.
Commercial Device Type Evaluation Criteria
The NCWM NTETC-Measuring Sector Subgroup met on April 21, 2011 and plans to hold a web/teleconference meeting at 11:00 a.m. to noon [EDT] on May 19, 2011. The Subgroup is gathering information on the operation of the zero-setback-interlock feature and automatic and manual shut off mechanisms on hydrogen refueling dispensers as part of its work on the draft Hydrogen Gas-Measuring Devices Checklist. The Subgroup anticipates it will make a final draft of the checklist available to the USNWG for review and comment by late July 2011.
U. S. National Work Group (USNWG) for the Development of Commercial Hydrogen Measurement Standards
Device Test Procedures
The USNWG held a web/teleconference meeting on April 19, 2011. The USNWG discussed the work to refine and develop test procedures (gravimetric, volumetric, and master meter test methods) and the progress of work to develop the type evaluation checklist for hydrogen dispensers. The USNWG has tentative plans for a meeting the second week of August 2011 to discuss the final draft of the type evaluation checklist.
Fuel Quality Regulation
NIST WMD has prepared a new amendment to NCWM Laws & Regulations Committee Agenda Item 237-1 (a proposal for a hydrogen gas fuel quality specification) that includes updates on the latest progress by ASTM and restructures the presentation of the information for greater clarity and alignment. This modification to Agenda Item 237-1 will be distributed at the July 2011 NCWM Annual Meeting. The amended item is also being presented at the two spring regional weights and measures association annual meetings (NEWMA and CWMA), and is pending ballot by the USNWG.
Hydrogen Safety Engineering Program Celebrates 5-year Anniversary
Vladimir Molkov, HySAFER Centre, University of Ulster
Academic year 2011/2012 marks the 5th anniversary of the online delivery of the world's first postgraduate program in hydrogen safety – The University of Ulster's MSc in Hydrogen Safety Engineering.
Five years on from the launch of this innovative program, graduates from Europe, the Americas, and Asia are now in charge of safety developments within their organizations making company products of outstanding safety performance and thus to provide a leading position in the emerging market of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.
This year the program will be enriched by two new unique modules:
- Regulations, codes, and standards;
- Hydrogen Powered Transport and Infrastructure Safety.
Applications are invited for new students. Details can be found at:http://campusone.ulster.ac.uk/potential/postgraduate.php?ppid=24
Simply type "hydrogen" in the "FIND YOUR PROGRAMME" field.
CGA Task Force Seeks Hydrogen Experts
Laura Brumsey, Compressed Gas Association, Inc.
CGA is initiating work to develop H-5, Installation Standards for Bulk Hydrogen Supply Systems as an American National Standard, and to revise an existing American National Standard, P-18, Standard for Bulk Inert Gas Systems. Both task forces are accepting applications for new experts.
Information on all ongoing CGA ANSI projects, as well as CGAs procedures for the development of American National Standards, are available on the following website:http://www.cganet.com/ANS_site/ANS.htm.
For additional information, please contact Laura Brumsey atlbrumsey@cganet.com.
H-5 Announcement
CGA announces the revision of H-5, Installation Standards for Bulk Hydrogen Supply Systems. H-5 is proposed for development as an American National Standard and will be revised under the ANSI Essential Requirements. The H-5 ANSI Committee is currently seeking participants in the producer, user, general interest, and standards development organization categories, defined on the attached committee member application form.
CGA's procedures for the development of American National Standards can be viewed online at: http://www.cganet.com/ANS_site/ANS.htm.
H-5 contains suggested minimum installation standards for bulk hydrogen supply systems. It is intended to provide recommendations for installing hydrogen supply systems. The standard covers the entire process: (1) site selection, (2) equipment selection, (3) regulatory compliance, (4) equipment transportation and setting, (5) equipment installation, (6) system start-up, (7) operation, and (8) system removal. The standard also provides safety and health considerations. Typical system flow diagrams are included.
A committee member application form is available here.
P-18 Announcement
CGA announces the revision of P-18, Standard for Bulk Inert Gas Systems (an American National Standard). P-18 was approved as an American National Standard in 2006 and will be revised under the ANSI Essential Requirements. The P-18 ANSI Committee is currently seeking participants in the producer, user, general interest, trade association, equipment supplier, and general retailer categories.
CGA's procedures for the development of American National Standards can be viewed online at: http://www.cganet.com/ANS_site/ANS.htm.
P-18 is one of a series of publications compiled by the Compressed Gas Association, Inc. (CGA), to satisfy the demand for information relative to the production, transportation, handling, and storage of compressed gases, cryogenic liquids, and related products. This publication provides information on installation of industrial bulk inert gas systems for argon, nitrogen, and helium service.
A committee member application form is available here.