Highlights of IEC TC 105 Plenary Meeting

by Karen Quackenbush, FCHEA

IEC/TC 105 (Fuel Cell Technologies) held their 2021 plenary meeting on October 27-28 as a virtual meeting.

Some key highlights providing a view on potential future work items are provided below:

  • A report on a New Work Item Proposal (NWIP) on “Performance test methods of small stationary fuel cell power system that can be complemented with a supplementary heat generator for multiple units operation by EMS” was well-received and participants provided some recommendations for the Convenor, Noboru Hashimoto, to consider while drafting the standard.

  • Following a presentation on fuel cells for maritime applications, TC 105 agreed to issue a Call for Interest regarding the creation of a new Ad Hoc Group for maritime use of fuel cells. 

  • A report on a potential NWIP on “Calculation of Rated Power and Power Density of a Stack” was well-received and participants provided some recommendations for the French National Committee to consider while drafting the NWIP.

  • A report on a potential NWIP on “Performance test methods of Trigeneration Fuel Cell systems” was well-received and participants provided some recommendations for the Korean National Committee to consider while drafting the NWIP. 

  • A report on a potential NWIP on “Conditioning Monitoring and diagnostics of (residential) PEMFC systems” was well-received and participants provided some recommendations for the Korean National Committee to consider while drafting the NWIP.

The 2022 Plenary Meeting will be hosted by the Korean National Committee, to be scheduled with a preference for October 2022.

SAE Reorganizes Aviation Activities for Fuel Cells

by Karen Quackenbush, FCHEA

SAE AE-7 Aerospace Electrical Power & Equipment Committee recently announced some organizational changes for their hydrogen and fuel cell work.

The AE-7 Fuel Cell Task Group was established approximately 10 years ago in order to work on fuel cell documents along with EUROCAE. With increased interest and activities, the Fuel Cell task group has been moved to its own committee: AE-7F Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Committee.

The Committee is currently working on the following hydrogen documents:

  • SAE AS6679 - Liquid Hydrogen Storage for Aviation: This document defines the technical guidelines for the safe integration, operation and maintenance, and for certification of Liquid Hydrogen Storage Systems (LHSS) in aircraft. This document also defines guidelines for safe refuelling operation of hydrogen for aircraft.

  • SAE AS7373 - Gaseous Hydrogen Storage for General Aviation - This document defines the technical guidelines for the safe integration, operation and maintenance, and for certification of Gaseous Hydrogen Storage Systems (GHSS) in general aviation. This document also defines guidelines for safe refuelling operation of gaseous hydrogen for aircraft.

For further information on this Technical Committee, please view the PDF here.

New FCHEA Working Group Focuses on Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicles

by Karen Quackenbush, FCHEA

The first meeting of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association’s (FCHEA) new Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Working Group was held on September 28th.  The major areas of activity are to be centered around codes and standards, messaging and communications, and advocacy and outreach work.

The second meeting, held on October 26th, included a deep dive into the current level of development for heavy-duty hydrogen codes and standards. The objective is to identify the degree to which existing or developing standards and regulations can meet the needs in this sector, and where gaps may exist.

The third meeting, held on November 18th explored heavy-duty fuel cell truck activities in California.

Future meetings will include presentations on national efforts and legislative updates that support alternative-fueled medium and heavy-duty vehicles and infrastructure.

FCHEA members with an interest in medium and heavy-duty vehicles are welcome to join this new working group, which reports to FCHEA’s Transportation Working Group. For further information or to express interest, please contact Connor Dolan.

Did You Know? Center for Hydrogen Safety Ventilation Webinar

by Karen Quackenbush, FCHEA

The Center for Hydrogen Safety is offering a free, live webinar, on Tuesday, December 7, from 11:00AM - 12:30PM ET, which will provide an overview and guidance on ventilation to prevent and dilute the formation of flammable hydrogen-air mixtures. Information will include a review of relevant standards, guidelines, and approaches to achieving effective dilution for potential design-basis hydrogen release scenarios. Existing applications and previous incidents will be discussed.

For further information and registration, please visit here.

Webinar Series Provides Expert Knowledge to address Hydrogen Safety Challenges

by Karen Quackenbush, FCHEA

Dräger, a world-wide family-run business established in 1889, manufactures medical and safety technology products.

In a live weekly webinar series which runs through December 8th, their experts are providing valuable knowledge about handling the risks in all phases of the process. Get valuable safety information and practical insights of our safety experts. Join the discussion with experts and ask your questions about:

  • Risk assessment

  • Plant safety

  • Gas detection technologies

  • Personal air monitoring options

  • How to handle necessary maintenance works safely and efficiently

For further information and to register for the remaining webinars, please visit:

https://www.draeger.com/en_uk/Safety/hydrogen-safety-challenges-webinar-series

ICHS Online Conference Surpasses Attendance Record

By Karen Quackenbush, FCHEA

The International Conference on Hydrogen Safety (ICHS) 2021; “Safe Hydrogen for Net Zero”, was held from 21­-24 September 2021, as an online conference.

Supported by The Scottish Government and IA HySafe, the virtual conference saw a significant increase in attendance, with 426 registered participants over the four days. There were 139 peer reviewed papers presented. 

You may find some of the material on the linked in page useful, see - https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/company/international-association-for-hydrogen-safety

Presentations will be available on the ICHS 2021 website, at https://hysafe.info/ichs2021/.

Further information on the conference is available on the following IA HySafe Linked-In page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-association-for-hydrogen-safety/.