Results of the ICC Code Development Hearings
Patrick Serfass, National Hydrogen Association

First Week-Long Training Course Dedicated to Hydrogen Storage
Karen Hall, National Hydrogen Association

ISO TC 197 Update
Bob Mauro, US TAG Chair, and Debbie Angerman, US TAG Administrator

NFPA 52: Input sought regarding the Vehicular Fuel Systems Code (74xKb PDF) 
Patrick Serfass, National Hydrogen Association

NFPA 2 Hydrogen Technology TC Will Hold First Meeting at NREL
Karen Hall, National Hydrogen Association

Wake Up to Hydrogen: ICC Hearing Workshop Report
Patrick Serfass, National Hydrogen Association

Michigan Conference Tracks Hydrogen Fleet Progress
Karen Hall, National Hydrogen Association

Results of the ICC Code Development Hearings
Patrick Serfass, National Hydrogen Association
With contributions from Darren Meyers, International Code Council

The ICC Code Development hearings held September 20-October 1, 2006 at Disney's Coronado Spring Resort, Walt Disney World®, Florida had mixed results for the 15 code changes relating to hydrogen. Just less than half of the proposals were “recommendedfor approval” at the Final Action Hearings which are scheduled for May 21-27, 2007 in Rochester, NY.

Although some proposals were recommended for approval and others were not, the “recommendation” means that the code proposals have neither been officially approved or disapproved yet. That will happen at the Final Action Hearings in May. Rather, each proponent (and opponents, if any) had the chance to present their proposal before the ICC membership and the appropriate code development committee to get reactions to and debate the suggested changes. This allows the proponent to make necessary modifications to his/her proposal before the ICC membership votes on it at the Final Action Hearings. At this point, the main difference between a proposal that was recommended for disapproval or approval is that proposals recommended for approval only need a simple majority vote (50% + 1) to be finally approved; on the other hand, proposals recommended for disapproval at the Code Development Hearings need a 2/3 vote to become approved at the Final Action Hearings.

The results of the September hearings and further explanation of the process are included below.

Official reasoning from the Code Development Committee on why certain proposals were recommended for disapproval will be published by Nov 7, 2006. After these are available, NHA staff will provide a more verbose explanation of how each proposal fared at September’s Code Development Hearings and further analysis on what needs to be accomplished in order for proposals to be approved in May.

2006/07 Code Development Hearing Results for Hydrogen

Code Prop.DescriptionResult

F53Lithium Metal Polymer batteries (PDF)D

F54Required automatic status monitoring of lead acid battery room ventilation systems (PDF)D-ASF

F154Vehicle overpressure protection (PDF)AS

F155Indoor fast-fill dispensing (PDF)D

F156Electrostatic discharge for fueling pads (PDF)D

F157Consistent 'listing' of lighter-than-air gas detection systems (PDF)AM

F172Addressing hydrogen cylinders stored in outdoor cabinets (PDF)D

F175Possible diking around above ground LH2 storage (PDF)D

F191Movement of LH2 language and new LH2 tank requirements from CGA (PDF)AM

F193Telecomm cabinets and transfer switches near outdoor hydrogen cabinets (PDF)D

F194Guidance for metal hydride systems (PDF)AS

F229New requirements for indoor hydrogen storage (PDF)D

M56Ventilation requirement moved from exhaust to ventilation (PDF)D

FG54H2 Piping-Concealed Locations (PDF)AS

FS37
Fire barrier definition (PDF)AS

Legend:
AS - Approved as Submitted
AM - Approved as Modified by the Code Committee at Code Development Hearing
D - Disapproved
ASF - Approved as Submitted by Assembly Floor Action at Code Development Hearing
AMF - Approved as Modified by Assembly Floor Action at Code Development Hearing
DF - Disapproved by Assembly Floor Action at Code Development Hearing
WP - Withdrawn by Proponent

**D-ASF: Disapproved (by the code development committee). However, there was a motion from the floor for "As Submitted," and it was successful. Thus, “As Submitted from the Floor.” Both actions will proceed forward to the Final Action Hearings in May.

More on Code Development Hearings vs. Final Action Hearings
As explained in the August issue of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Safety Report (HFCSR, AUG 06), the Code Development Hearings are the first of two stages to either approve or disapprove code changes. The second stage is the Final Action Hearings.

The key differences between the two stages are that in the Code Development Hearings the code change proposals are heard by acommittee and the result of their decision is a recommendation on how the ICC membership (code enforcement and fire officials, architects, engineers, builders, contractors, elected officials, manufacturers and others in the construction industry) might want to vote at the Final Action Hearings-approve or disapprove.

In the second stage, the Final Action Hearings, as you might expect, the proposals are heard by the ICC membership and their vote is thefinal decision on whether a code change proposal is approved or disapproved. At the Final Action Hearings, the same committee who recommended an outcome at the earlier Code Development Hearings will hear the proposals again, but this time in more of a moderating/advisory role.

At both the Code Development Hearings and Final Action Hearings, the proponent, supporters and opponents are allowed a short time to speak to the committee and ICC membership about any code change. Anyone, ICC members and non-members, may speak in favor of or opposition against a proposal, but only ICC members can vote at the later Final Action Hearings. Proposals can also be withdrawn by the proponent at any time.

For More Information

First Week-Long Training Course Dedicated to Hydrogen Storage
Karen Hall, National Hydrogen Association

The University of Applied Sciences in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, held a week-long training course from 25-29 September 2006, called STORHY Train-IN 2006. At the course, approximately 60 students from all over the world learned about state-of-the-art hydrogen storage, including pressure vessels, cryogenic storage, solid storage, safety aspects, and applications.

The course focused on automotive applications, and included demonstrations of model cars, including the award-winning Hyracer - the world’s smallest car running with a hydrogen combustion engine. It is a 1:8 scale model of the BMW record car H2R which set up numerous records for hydrogen-powered cars, including maximum speed (Guiness Book of World Record 2005). The Hyracer was developed at the University of Applied Sciences Ingolstadt by students and research assistants. Gaseous Hydrogen is stored pressurized in aluminum cylinders and runs a four stroke combustion engine. Challenges in the development were cooling the engine, an ignition system for the combustion process and meeting safety requirements. This model car demonstrates the next generation automotive technology on a small scale.

The course combined theoretical and practical experiences, brilliantly led by key staff from the University of Applied Sciences and augmented with over twenty guest presentations from industry leaders. The course was organized by Prochain e.V.

STORHY is an integrated project within the European Union Framework 6 Programme that relates to hydrogen storage systems for automotive applications.

StorHy - General Project Information
“Hydrogen Storage Systems for Automotive Application”

Coordinator: MAGNA STEYR Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co KG
Time frame: 2004 – 2008 (4,5 years)
Official project start: March 1, 2004
Budget: € 18.7 m
EU contribution: € 10.7 m
Website: www.storhy.net
34 partners from 13 European countries
(5 OEMs, 15 research institutes and 14 supplier companies)

And if that weren’t enough, the course included an active social program, providing opportunities to simultaneously enjoy the hospitality of Ingolstadt (as well as a visit to Munich for Octoberfest) and network with fellow students and presenters.

The course presented a viable model for hydrogen energy coursework that should undoubtedly be repeated.

For additional information, please visit www.storhy.net.

ISO TC 197 Update
Bob Mauro, US TAG Chair, and Debbie Angerman, US TAG Administrator

Abbreviations: 
CD = committee draft
CDV = committee draft for vote (The term used in the IEC when circulating a draft standard to member countries of a TC, for vote. The CDV only permits voting, up or down, without comment or changes proposed to the draft.)
DTS = draft technical specification
IEC = International Electrotechnical Commission
ISO TC = International Organization of Standardization Technical Committee
SC = subcommittee
U.S. TAG = U.S. Technical Advisory Group
WG = working group

A summary of key current activities for ISO TC 197: Hydrogen Technologies is presented as follows:

  1. The Draft International Standard 15869.2 Gaseous hydrogen and hydrogen blends – Land vehicle fuel tanks has been sent out for vote and comment by November 1st. A teleconference on comments was held on Oct. 11th. The Committees ISO TC 58/SC 3 (gas cylinders/cylinder design) and ISO TC 22: Road Vehicles are also invited to participate. The U.S. TAG also met by teleconference Oct. 11 to discuss written comments sent in by U.S. TAG members. A revised list of proposed comments has been circulated to U.S. TAG members for their consideration. Shortly following the call, one U.S. TAG member proposed additional comments. Any objections to these comments are requested no later than Oct. 20. U.S. TAG votes are due via e-mail to Debbie Angerman or using the U.S. TAG website by Oct. 29. 
    U.S. TAG website: http://www.cganet.com/isotc197
     
  2. PDTS 16111.2 Transportable gas storage devices – Hydrogen absorbed in reversible metal hydrides has been sent out for comment and vote. The U.S. has voted in favor with both TC 197 and TC 58/SC 3 voting in the affirmative. The DTS was approved. A meeting to review comments was held on September 6 & 7 in Washington. Informal meeting notes are posted on the U.S. TAG website and were provided by Bob Mauro. Based on editorial and technical clarification comments, the DTS was revised and has been sent to ISO TC 197 for publication as a Technical Specification. Work continues on the International Standard.
     
  3. DTS 14687-2, Hydrogen fuel – Product specification – Part 2: Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell applications for road vehicles is out for vote and comment until the end of November.
     
  4. ISO 14687:1999, Corrigendum 2, Hydrogen fuel – Product specification is out for review and comment until the end of November 2006.
     
  5. Systematic review of ISO 14687: 1999, Corrigendum 1: 2001,Hydrogen fuel – Product specification is out for review until February 2007.
     
  6. IEC/CDV 62282-6-2 Fuel cell technologies Part 6-2: Micro fuel cell power systems – Performance is out for review by TC 197 on its hydrogen safety aspects until mid-December 2006.
     
  7. IEC/CDV 62282-3-3 Fuel cell technologies – Part 3-3: Stationary Fuel cell power systems – Installation is out for review by TC 197 on its hydrogen safety aspects until mid-December 2006.
     
  8. The U.S. was asked to provide comments on ISO/CD 16110-2,Hydrogen generators using fuel processing technologies—Part 2: Test methods for performance by the first part of October 2006. These are being assessed. 
     
  9. ISO TC 197/WG 13 (hydrogen-specific detectors) will meet in Vancouver, B.C. on October 31 – November 1, 2006.
     
  10. ISO TC 197/WG 12 (hydrogen fuel quality) will be meeting on Nov 9 & 10 in Honolulu, and Fuel Cell Test QA will meet on November 13, 2006 in conjunction with the Fuel Cell Seminar (Nov 13-17).

NFPA 2 Hydrogen Technology TC Will Hold First Meeting at NREL
Karen Hall, National Hydrogen Association

The first meeting of the new NFPA Hydrogen Technology Technical Committee (HYD) committee will take place on November 2 & 3, 2006 at the DOE Golden Field Office, hosted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratories, in Golden, Colorado.

The NFPA Standards Council which overseas all NFPA standards development approved a proposed Scope of this new technical committee (TC) on Hydrogen Technologies, and requested the TC, once established, review its scope and recommend any changes it believes may be appropriate.

Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on the storage, transfer, and use of hydrogen. The use of hydrogen would include stationary, portable, and vehicular applications.

Principal members on this new HYD committee are as follows:

Martin T. Gresho (Chair)Sandia National Laboratories

William J. Aaron, Jr.Code Consultants, Inc.

Paul J. Buehler, Jr.Plug Power, Inc.

Elise ChanProvince of British Columbia - Office for Housing & Construction Standards

William P. ChernicoffUS Department of Transportation - Research & Innovative Technology Administration

Lawrence M. DannerGeneral Electric, Energy

John A. DavenportAon Risk Consultants - Schirmer Engineering Corporation

Joseph D. DiGiacomoFlynn Burner Corporation

Larry L. FluerFluer, Inc. (representing the Compressed Gas Association)

James E. GoodloeFlorida Division of State Fire Marshal

Stephen GoyetteProton Energy Systems

Karen I. HallNational Hydrogen Association

Douglas B. HorneDBHorne LLC (representing the Clean Vehicle Education Foundation)

Thomas JosephAir Products and Chemicals, Inc.

Gregory A. MilewskiShell Oil Company

George A. MillerConsultant - National Association of State Fire Marshals

Michael F. ShortUTC Power

E. Michael SteeleRepresenting the Society of Automotive Engineers

Samuel VanoverRepresenting the TC on Hazardous Chemicals

Andrea R. ZajacMichigan Department of Environmental Quality - Waste & Hazardous Materials Division

Robert G. ZaloshWorcester Polytechnic Institute - Fire Protection Engineering Department

In addition to Principal members, there are alternate members as well as non-voting members from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Carl H. Rivkin serves as NFPA Staff Liaison.

Wake Up to Hydrogen: ICC Hearing Workshop Report
Patrick Serfass, National Hydrogen Association

During the Code Development Hearings for the International Code Council (HFCSR Aug 06, HFCSR Oct 06), the National Hydrogen Association hosted two morning workshops focused on hydrogen education at the Disney Coronado Springs in Orlando, Florida, September 21-22, 2006.

At the early breakfast workshops, approximately 50 attendees (including code and permitting officials with some hydrogen industry professionals) engaged the speakers in questions and took the opportunity to examine the fuel cells and hydrogen storage devices. Jadoo had several of their metal hydride hydrogen canisters and fuel cells on hand for inspection. On both days, their N-Gen fuel cell operated the laptops during the workshop. Jadoo representatives also showed attendees examples of bonfire- and overpressure-tested metal hydride canisters to show that the containers maintain their structural integrity even when brought to failure.

Many different topics were covered during the workshop, but the main focus was on technical topics related to the hydrogen code proposals. The main technical topics addressed were:

  • Indoor fast-fill fueling (> 12 SCFM) today, mainly for fueling lift trucks, pallet trucks and other equipment in large warehouses
  • Above-ground Liquid Hydrogen Storage including diking, flash losses and liquid hydrogen’s inability to pool if spilled
  • Hydrogen Storage for Telecommunications including how hydrogen can be safely stored in cabinets near telecommunications equipment
  • Fueling Station Overpressure Protection which when located on a dispenser hooked up to a vehicle (one connected system) can provide an extra layer of safety to protect the vehicle’s hydrogen tank from being overfilled

A special thank you goes to Plug Power for sponsoring this event!

Presentations from the workshops, as available, are located below.

Thursday, September 21, 6:30-7:30 AM

Friday, September 22, 6:30-7:30 AM

Michigan Conference Tracks Hydrogen Fleet Progress
Karen Hall, National Hydrogen Association

NextEnergy held a Hydrogen Codes and Standards Conference on September 14 at their facility in Detroit, Michigan. The conference is an element of the U.S. Department of Energy Hydrogen Fleet Demonstration and Validation Program, and therefore focused on the C&S experiences, challenges, and lessons learned from the automotive companies and energy providers. The presentations are posted on the NextEnergy website at:http://www.nextenergy.org/events/Codes_and_Standards.asp