International Energy Agency Hydrogen Implementing Agreement Proposed Task on Hydrogen Safety

Goals and Objectives To develop data and other information that will facilitate the accelerated adoption of hydrogen systems. Specific objectives:  To cooperatively conduct a testing program to validate the results of numerous models that have been developed and to use the data for further refinement of those tools for use in real-life scenarios, and  to document and convey the results and data in ways that support the development and implementation of codes and standards.

Justification  Much is known about the properties of hydrogen, but information about hydrogen’s safety in real systems during abnormal situations is lacking.  There is much experience relative to hydrogen’s use in industry and space where it is handled in a controlled manner by trained personnel, but there is much less experience in consumer systems.  As a result, hydrogen system and component design requirements are excessive, restrictive and new installations face difficulties with approvals, insurance, and public acceptance.

Safety Related Issues  Current models have not been sufficiently validated by empirical data. This limits their usefulness in design refinements and for insurance purposes.  These seems to be a significant difference in assessing safety based on physical data and actual test data.  Concerns over public acceptance and product liability cannot be resolved unless fully developed codes and standards exist.

Hydrogen Energy Station Back Up Power Unit Storage module Hydrogen Generation and compression module Generator Set Modules

Hydrogen Release into Generator Room: Fast Release Vertical After Leak Fast Leak Horizontal After Leak Fast Leak Constant flow rate: CFM ( m 3 /s) Leak orifice: ¼”, from a high-pressure line Ventilation systems: down Duration: 10 sec. leak

Codes & Standards Development  Based on Prototype Systems  Goal Oriented  Response to Accident or Identified Safety Concern  Quantitative Risk Analysis

Typical Quantitative Risk Assessment Methodology System Definition Hazard Identification (Qualitative) Risk Analysis (Failures Database) Hazard Analysis (Effects Modeling) Risk Calculations Safety/Risk CriteriaRisk Assessment Mitigation Measures Iterative Calculations Cost-Benefit Analysis Final Risk Assessment

Path to Commercialization

Expectations A cooperative program will provide safety information that will be available to all countries to assist in the commercial introduction of hydrogen systems by:  providing information on which to base Codes and Standards development;  facilitating the permitting of new installations by approving authorities; and  facilitating the availability of insurance coverage by providing information on which risk assessments can be completed.

Technical Approach  Preliminary Proposal – 26 experts contacted to solicit ideas and recommendations for task organization and activities  Project Definition Phase One or two workshops depending on interest in participation to develop structure, specific scope and range of activities Draft Annex Plan

Subtask Organization (1)  System component failures  Accidents  Human error  “Acts of God”  Terrorism Subtask 1: Testing program to evaluate the nature and consequences of safety-related events under a range of real-life scenarios, environments and mitigation measures

Activities Suggested by Experts  Destructive testing of hydrogen components and systems  Testing program to validate current codes and standards (e.g. electrical classification)  Testing program to develop data for design standards for hydrogen storage systems

Subtask Organization (2) Subtask 2: Development of targeted information packages for stakeholder groups  Permitting officials  Insurance providers  System developers  Equipment manufacturers  Early adopters of technology  Consumers and end-users

Suggested Activities  International Requirements for siting hydrogen technology installations (US, Canada, Japan, UK, Australia  Development of an Intelligent Virtual Fueling Station  Development of comprehensive information documents

A Few Examples  Hydrogen Generation and Refueling Facility, El Segundo, California  Hydrogen Fleet Demonstration Project, Palm Desert, California  Bus Fleet Demonstration, Chicago, Illinois  Underground Storage Facility, Detroit, Michigan

Schedule  All task activities will be guided by the Handbook of Policies and Procedures for the IEA Hydrogen Program.  Project Definition Phase (6 months) 1 st Experts Workshop (May 2004, Washington, DC) 2 nd Experts Meeting (if necessary)  Draft Annex Plan (Presented October 2004)  Task Initiation – Proposed 3-year term.