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NextEnergy Hosts NFPA Technical Committee on Hydrogen Technologies
By Karen Hall, National Hydrogen Association


NFPA’s Hydrogen Technologies Technical Committee met in Detroit, Michigan from April 17-19. The Technical Committee is working to extract code requirements from other NFPA documents in an effort to make it easier for future hydrogen energy projects to be permitted. The goal is to combine all relevant requirements from existing NFPA documents, and add annex materials so that project developers and code officials can see the relevant requirements and background materials in a single document. The meeting provided an opportunity for the task forces to meet and continue the work in their areas. This effort will continue for several months.

The group was privileged to tour an onsite hydrogen refuelling station, which was created as a part of NextEnergy’s collaborative Research, Development, and Technology Validation effort. This was an excellent opportunity for industry members, Fire Marshals, and other experts on the Technical Committee to see a hydrogen refuelling demonstration in action.

Two specific aspects of this demonstration are particularly important. The refuelling station is sited in an urban environment, with the NextEnergy Center building and neighboring buildings in close proximity. This was accomplished through utilizing design options allowed by existing codes. One such design feature that received significant attention during our tour was the V-shaped walls that are used on two sides of the station. This design allowed the refuelling station equipment to be sited nearer to other buildings and operations.

Another aspect that was important was the operation of the DaimlerChrysler fuel cell car that was being refuelled. This car is being used by Wayne State University campus security. This allows the local community to have early experiences with hydrogen and fuel cells while providing an opportunity for students and faculty to see the car on regular routes. It also allows the project partners an opportunity to put the car through its paces in a real-life urban environment.

NextEnergy is a non-profit corporation founded to enable the commercialization of energy technologies that positively contribute to economic competitiveness, energy security, and the environment. Facilities include the alternative fuel testing platform, a microgrid power pavilion, laboratory facilities, a conference room, meeting/training rooms, demonstration space, and much more. For more information about NextEnergy, please visit www.NextEnergy.org.