Hydrogen Energy Technologies Certification
Karen Hall, National Hydrogen Association

NFPA Update
Karen Hall, National Hydrogen Association

International Standards Progress
Karen Hall, National Hydrogen Association

MaxStream RF Modems Granted Safety Compliance:
Radios Safe to Use in the Presence of Flammable Vapors
Courtesy PRNewswire

The Advanced Vehicle Research Center to Feature Hydrogen Refueling and Testing Facilities
Courtesy FuelCellWorks.com

NFPA's Guide to Gas Safety Now Available
Patrick Serfass, National Hydrogen Association

August 2005 Minutes of the National Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Codes & Standards Coordinating Committee
Russell Hewett, NREL

Hydrogen Energy Technologies Certification
Karen Hall, National Hydrogen Association

In response to industry interest in understanding how to register new hydrogen energy products in international markets, H2Expo held a Seminar called Introducing Hydrogen Energy Technologies in a Global Market Certification and Listing Issues in Major International Markets, in Hamburg, Germany, 31 August - 1 September 2005. The Seminar was held in conjunction with H2Expo, Europe's biggest marketplace for hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. Business, science and opinion-leaders used the leading international forum to exchange know how and generate new business.

The Seminar was aimed at Private and Public entities/organizations who need information on international requirements to introduce commercial product into international markets; Strategic marketing and sales specialists dealing with hydrogen and fuel cell technologies; Investors and risk management people/ insurance companies; And anyone interested in understanding the regulatory issues involved with commercializing products in international markets.

Agenda and Highlights

DAY 1
Introduction to Regulations and Requirements
Specialists described existing regulations and requirements for introducing commercial products in Europe and North America. Topics included requirements for stationary power, transportation and portable appliances.
Session Chair: Bernd Höhlein, formerly FZ Jülich (Jülich Research Center)

10:15-10:40
Introductory Key Note by Conference Chair Bernd Höhlein

10:40-11:05
Successful entanglement: to get hydrogen projects realized
Jens Fleitmann, TÜV Süd Industrie Service GmbH; Karim Kortländer, TÜV Süd Automotive GmbH

11:05 - 11:30
Coffee break in the Exhibit Hall

11:30-11:55
Hydrogen generation modules: experiences and approaches for international code compliance
Frank Lomax, H2Gen

11:55-12:20
Certification and listing of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies for the German markets
Filip Dankl, P21

During this session, there was a discussion of harmonizing hydrogen vehicle requirements. As Europe uses a type-approval process for vehicle certification, and North America uses a self-certification process, the process of Global Technical Regulations for vehicles was established as the appropriate mechanism to allow countries to adopt common technical requirements within their own regulatory frameworks.

Commercializing Stationary Power Systems
Industry leaders discussed timelines for commercialization of hydrogen energy products for stationary applications, success Stories, and Issues.
Session Chair: Nicolas Pocard, Idatech

14:00-14:25
Introductory Notes by Session Chair Nicolas Pocard, Idatech

14:25-14:50
Field trail starts with the Fuel Cell micro CHP "Home
Energy Center"
Thomas Winkelmann, european fuel cell

14:50-15:15
Overview of UK activities in stationary power system commercialization
Karen Hall, TTC, Ltd.

15:15-15:45
Panel Discussion: How does product certification facilitate commercialization of residential appliances? How big a role do local permitting officials have? What can be done to facilitate the permitting process?
Moderator: Ludwig Jörissen, ZSW
Speakers: Holger Grubel, Vattenfall; Karen Hall, TTC, Ltd.; Nicolas Pocard, Idatech; Thomas Winkelmann, european fuel cell

During this session, the costs of certification were discussed. Currently, many manufacturers must certify each production unit, resulting in high costs. Many companies are now becoming ISO 9001 certified. According to the ISO website, ISO 9001:2000 specifies requirements for a quality management system where an organization

1. needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide product that meets customer and applicable regulatory requirements, and
    
2. aims to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for continual improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to customer and applicable regulatory requirements.

All requirements of this International Standard are generic and are intended to be applicable to all organizations, regardless of type, size and product provided.

By becoming certified to ISO 9001, a manufacturer can save money because following complete testing of a production unit; subsequent units have fewer requirements to be verified.

In addition, the CE mark was discussed, as well as UL and CSA listing. A draft UK hydrogen fuel cell installation guideline is being produced by industry with facilitation from the UK Health and Safety Executive.

DAY 2
Commercializing Transportation Systems
Industry leaders discussed timelines for commercialization of hydrogen energy products for transportation applications, success Stories, and Issues.

09:00 - 09:30
Welcome and Recap of Previous Day
Karen Hall, NHA/ TTC UK

09:30 - 12:00
Commercializing Transportation Systems
Industry leaders discuss timelines for commercialization of hydrogen energy products for transportation applications, success stories, and issues
Session Chair: Karen Hall, Technology Transition Corporation, Ltd.

09:30-10:00
Hydrogen fuel cell hybrid electric midi buses: a case for early commercial market introduction
Mark Kammerer, Hydrogenics

10:00-10:30
Requirements for hydrogen/fuel cell cars from an OEM perspective
Christine Sloane, General Motors

10:30 - 11:00
Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall

11:00-11:30
System and market integration of H2 Power units for mobile and non-road applications
Mikael Sloth, H2Logic

11:30-12:00
Building the Hydrogen Highway - a Californian experience
Donald P. Eichelberger, Air Products

12:00-12:30
Clean Energy Partnership - Integration of Hydrogen Stations with On-Site Production into Conventional Service Stations - Challenges of Authority Approvals
Patrick Schnell, Total; Ulf Hafseld, Hydro

In this session, industry leaders provided case studies of the certification issues relating to actual projects. The need to work closely with permitting officials, before, during, and after design, was emphasized. The benefits of performance-based system-level requirements, versus design standards were discussed. While some design standards are required (such as vehicle fueling interface nozzles), other requirements benefit from the flexibility of the manufacturer to implement improvements. Ensuring that developing standards focus on safety and performance (such as in the case of a road accident, the vehicle must not leak fuel) rather than design (such as the container must be made of specifed materials and meet specified design criteria) will facilitate the implementation of improvements as they become available.

Commercializing Portable Power Systems
Session Chair: Karen Hall,
NHA/ TTC UK

14:00-14:30
Commercializing Portable Power Systems
The market for portable fuel cell applications, challenges for listing and commercialization of products
Ulf Groos, Fraunhofer ISE

In this session, fuel supply and the supply chain for fuel cells were discussed. Some companies will distribute a certified methanol cartridge to their portable fuel cell customers directly, while others are working with partners. A market for peripheral elements like micro pumps or micro valves is still needed. There are some companies who address niche markets in portable fuel cells today. Other companies are planning to commercialize their first products in the next two years. The device integration of the fuel cell into mass products may take some years.

14:30-15:30
Panel Discussion: Success stories and remaining challenges for hydrogen technology commercialization
Moderator: Karen Hall, TTC, Ltd.
Speakers: Donald P. Eichelberger, Air Products; Ulf Groos, Fraunhofer ISE; Mark Kammerer,
Hydrogenics; Patrick Schnell, Total; Christine Sloane, General Motors

Panelists addressed their views of the timing of commercialization, supply of hydrogen for the growing hydrogen energy market. It was noted that in order to ensure supply of hydrogen grows with demand, active industry dialog is required. It is important to note the amount and form of hydrogen required, along with timelines.

Timing of codes, standards and regulations remains an issue. It is important to ensure the knowledge base is sufficient to create standards, but also to ensure we do not wait until commercialization is eminent, as standards often take 3 years or longer to promulgate. This reiterates the need for system-level performance-cased standards.

Tools and Resources
Website Resources and tools available for navigating international requirements were provided by Freesen and Partner and Technology Transition Corporation, Ltd as a handout.

Summary
Although the conference had light attendance, participants had an engaging discussion of challenges and timeframes for commercialization, as well as issues associated with certifying products in international markets. Regulatory frameworks differ, yet the need for uniform safety and technical requirements exists. Being able to navigate the myriad requirements for product certification gives companies a competitive advantage. Although the learning curve is steep, understanding these issues early enables manufacturers to be first to market.

NFPA Update
Karen Hall, National Hydrogen Association 

The following are excerpted from the September 2005 edition of NFPA News, and include items thought to be pertinent to the hydrogen community. For the full report, please see the NFPA News at www.NFPA.org. Select Codes & Standards, then NFPA News. 

Summary of Action 2005 June Meeting June 6-10, 2005 

NFPA 52 Vehicular Fuel Systems Code
1. Amendment No. 1: The result of Association meeting action was to accept Comment 52-168 (Proposal 52-2) to eliminate odorization and detection for hydrogen gas. This amendment failed TC ballot, thus returning the text affected by the amendment to previous edition text. Since there was no previous edition text, the language in 5.1.1 through 5.1.1.2 is deleted.
2. Amendment No. 2: As a result of an appeal, change Proposal 52-5 and replace the term "flame spread rating" (and associated definition) with the term "flame spread index" and its associated definition, based on NFPA 52 no longer using "flame spread rating" but now using "flame spread index" in 3.3.33. 

NFPA 57 Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Vehicular Fuel Systems Codewas withdrawn. 

NFPA Committees Seeking Members 

The Committee on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Vehicular Fuel Systems Code is seeking members in the interest category of enforcer. This Committee is responsible for NFPA 52, Vehicular Fuel Systems Code. 

The Flammable Liquids Code Fundamentals Committee is seeking members in all interest categories except manufacturers and insurance. This Committee is responsible for chapters in NFPA 30,Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. 

The Committee on Industrial and Medical Gases is seeking members in the enforcer category only. This Committee is responsible for NFPA 51, Standard for the Design and Installation of Oxygen-Fuel Gas Systems for Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes; NFPA 51A,Standard for Acetylene Cylinder Charging Plants; NFPA 55, Standard for the Storage, Use, and Handling of Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids in Portable and Stationary Containers, Cylinders, and Tanks; and NFPA 560, Standard for the Storage, Handling, and Use of Ethylene Oxide for Sterilization and Fumigation. 

The Committee on Transportation of Flammable Liquids is seeking members in all interest categories. This Committee is responsible for NFPA 385, Standard for Tank Vehicles for Flammable and Combustible Liquids. 

Anyone interested in serving on one of these committees or on any NFPA technical committee can download a form from NFPA's Web siteor request a technical committee application form from Codes and Standards Administration, NFPA, One Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471. 


Minutes Available

The NFPA Standards Council met July 25-29, 2005. The minutes are posted on NFPA's Web site. A copy of the minutes of this meeting can also be obtained by writing to Codes and Standards Administration, NFPA, One Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471. 

Committees Soliciting Proposals
The committees for the following documents are planning to begin preparation of their reports. In accordance with the Regulations Governing Committee Projects, committees are now accepting proposals for recommendations on content for the documents listed below. Proposals received by 5:00 p.m. ET on the closing date indicated will be acted on by the committee, and that action will be published in the committee's report. Proposals must be submitted to Codes and Standards Administration on proposal forms available in the back of all NFPA documents or from NFPA headquarters. Copies of new document drafts are available from Codes and Standards Administration, NFPA, One Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, or they may be downloaded from NFPA's Web site. If you need a current edition of a document, please contact NFPA, Fulfillment Center, 11 Tracy Drive, Avon, MA 02322, or call 800-344-3555. 

Document No./ EditionTitleProposal Closing DateMeeting Reporting

NFPA 69-2002Standard on Explosion Prevention Systems11/23/2005A2007

NFPA 70-2005National Electrical Code®11/4/2005A2007

NFPA 70E-2004Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace9/15/2006A2008

NFPA 400-P*Hazardous Chemical Code11/23/2005A2007

NFPA 430-2004Code for the Storage of Liquid and Solid Oxidizers11/23/2005A2007

NFPA 496-2003Standard for Purged and Pressurized
Enclosures for Electrical Equipment5/26/2006F2007

NFPA 497-2004Recommended Practice for the Classification of Flammable Liquids, Gases, or
Vapors and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for
Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas5/26/2006F2007

NFPA 502-2004Standard for Road Tunnels, Bridges, and Other Limited Access Highways11/23/2005A2007

NFPA 921-2004Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations5/26/2006F2007

P* indicates Proposed New NFPA Document

Technical Correlating Committee (TCC) for Hydrogen Technologies (from the July minutes) 

The Standards Council considered a request to establish a new Hydrogen Technology Project. This proposed project is to address the safe storage, use, and handling of Hydrogen. Currently, the topic of Hydrogen is addressed in a range of various NFPA projects, and a need is rapidly emerging to consolidate and coordinate these existing requirements, based on the evolving use of Hydrogen in today's mainstream society, into one document. 

To address this need for consolidation and coordination, a Technical Correlating Committee (TCC) for Hydrogen Technologies is being considered by the Council. The Technical Committees that currently cover various aspects of this topic would continue to have primary responsibility for their subject areas and their existing documents. The proposed Technical Correlating Committee would then be comprised of representatives of the existing affected NFPA Technical Committees and others as appropriate to consolidate and coordinate the material into one cohesive code mainly through the use of extracts from the existing documents. The Standards Council, therefore, is soliciting input from the affected committees and the public on this proposed new project. 

Anyone interested in commenting on this proposed project is invited to do so in writing. Please include information on resources on the subject matter, the names of those interested in participating on the Committee (if established), the names of other organizations actively involved with this subject, and why there is a need for such a project.

International Standards Progress
Karen Hall, National Hydrogen Association

The Fuel cell technologies - Part 6-1: Micro fuel cell power systems - Safety

Document 105/96/PAS, the draft Publicly Available Specification IEC/CD 62282-6-1 - Fuel cell technologies - Part 6-1: Micro Fuel Cell Power Systems - Safety is currently being circulated for approval among the P-members of IEC/TC 105 Fuel cell technologies. This document is also being circulated among the P-members of ISO/TC 197 for the approval of the hydrogen safety related aspects. 

ISO/TC 197 members are reminded that their completed ballot papers should be forwarded to the ISO/TC 197 Secretariat no later than 5 October 2005. U.S. TAG members should send their votes on the PAS to Debbie Angerman by Sept. 30 so that the US vote can be submitted on time.

The document is also being circulated for comments as a committee draft (document 105/95/CD, the committee draft IEC/CD 62282-6-1 -Fuel cell technologies - Part 6-1: Micro fuel cell power systems - Safety). This committee draft is circulated with a view of developing an international standard that will later on cancel and replace the PAS.

In order to meet the IEC/TC 105 deadline, completed comment forms on the Committee Draft from the P-members of ISO/TC 197 should be forwarded to the ISO/TC 197 Secretariat no later than 28 October 2005. U.S. TAG members should send their votes on the CD to Debbie Angerman by Oct. 11 so that the US vote can be submitted on time.

Gaseous hydrogen and hydrogen blends - Land vehicle fuel tanks

The ISO/TC 197 Working Group 6 has completed its work in preparation for the second DIS circulation of ISO/WI 15869 -Gaseous hydrogen and hydrogen blends - Land vehicle fuel tanks. The proposed DIS text is now in the editing process to make sure that the proposed text is in conformity with Part 2 of the ISO/IEC Directives. The five-part standard has been combined in a single document. Tanks covered by this draft international standard are as follows:

Type 1 - Metal tanks;
Type 2 - Hoop wrapped composite tanks with a metal liner; 
Type 3 - Fully wrapped composite tanks with a metal liner;
Type 4 - Fully wrapped composite tanks with non-metallic liner.

The Advanced Vehicle Research Center to Feature Hydrogen Refueling and Testing Facilities
Courtesy FuelCellWorks.com

As a non-profit, independent testing facility, the Advanced Vehicle Research Center will be designed for users in the general automotive, motorsports, and alternative fuel development sectors. The Center will also feature a hydrogen refueling station and test facilities for fuel cell development.

Read more ...

NFPA's Guide to Gas Safety Now Available
Patrick Serfass, National Hydrogen Association

This first-edition Guide includes information, applications, and safety requirements for every technical area, from hazards to use, handling, training, engineering, and emergency response. Created for facility managers, engineers, responders and written by a team of gas safety experts, the NFPA Guide presents characteristics and guidelines for 48 flammable and toxic gases such as:

• Liquefied natural gas 
• LP-gas 
• Hydrogen 
• Cutting-and-welding gases 
• Gaseous oxidizers and cryogenics

Gain an overview of compressed gas usages including its role as an alternative fuel. Learn about safety, emergency response, and OSHA, DOT, and EPA regulations. You'll also find references to NFPA rules for gas storage, handling, and use.

Seventeen chapters cover:

• handling and storage of compressed gases
• emergency response
• Process Safety Management and Risk Management Plan requirements
• medical gas operations
• properties of gases
• individual chapters on gases of special concern (such as chlorine, combustion and dispersion behavior of gases)
• hydrogen refueling operations
• emergency response for the fire service

(Hardbound, approx. 520 pp., 2005, $89.95)

For additional information on this book, please contact Carl Rivkin at 617-984-7418 or crivkin@nfpa.org or visit the NFPA website.