You are here: Archives > July 2008 > NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Technology Services Weights and Measures Division (WMD) Report on the Development of Commercial Hydrogen Measurement Standards During the July 9, 2008 National Hydrogen & Fuel Cells Codes & Standards Coordinating Committee (NHFCCSCC) teleconference, Juana Williams of NIST provided a comprehensive update on NIST’s activities relating to the development of commercial hydrogen measurement standards. As the July minutes will not be available until they are approved in August, Juana agreed to allow the NHA to publish her report here. (1) U.S. National Work Group (USNWG) for the Development of Commercial Hydrogen Measurement Standards The USNWG Subcommittees met June 17-19, 2008 at the Gas Technology Institute, Des Plaines, IL. A summary will be made available in July 2008. In the interim, the following report is only a preliminary overview of the Subcommittees' discussions: Device Standards and Test Procedures Subcommittee (DSTPS) The California Division of Measurement Standards reported on its observation of the set up and operation of a station test apparatus that uses a gravimetric test method for determining the accuracy of hydrogen delivery by refueling equipment. The DSTPS observed the operation of a Greenfield Corporation hydrogen refueling dispenser and gravimetric test equipment used to verify the accuracy of the dispenser. The DSTPS made further modifications to Specifications paragraphs (equipment design) in Draft 3.0 of the NIST Handbook 44 Hydrogen Gas Measuring Devices Code primarily to clarify the intent of requirements. The DSTPS also identified the following topics as requiring further research and/or discussion to ensure that requirements are appropriate and/or properly address hydrogen gas measuring device applications: nonresettable totalizer registration of product delivery, test conditions and marking requirements for the "minimum measured quantity," return/disposal of product after test of the refueling equipment, uncertainties associated with the gravimetric test method, and pressurization and control of flow rates Diane Lee (NIST WMD) will email a request for information on existing test procedures/equipment to all stakeholders. The DSTPS is requesting test data to demonstrate whether or not the proposed 1.5 % accuracy tolerance in the draft code is appropriate. Fuel Specifications Subcommittee (FSS) The California Division of Measurement Standards reported on its observation of the set up and operation of a hydrogen quality sampling apparatus in its possession. The FSS discussed the ability to sample at 700 bar and to analyze sample data and test methods. The FSS will conduct an in-depth review of "The Starting Point: A Discussion Paper Describing a Proposed Method of Sale and Quality Specification for Hydrogen Vehicle Fuel" to determine if: the display and marking of operating pressure is acceptable only in units of "bar" for equipment and signage the California Department of Food and Agriculture Fuel Specification is the starting point for the fuel standard recognized by the FSS NIST Special Publication (SP) 330 "The International System of Units (SI)" and NIST SP 811 "Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI)" are the USNWG's sources for units of measurement (both documents are available at: http://ts.nist.gov/WeightsAndMeasures/pubs.cfm) (2) Upcoming Workshops on Commercial Hydrogen Measurement Standards NIST WMD is pleased to announce two Workshops on Commercial Hydrogen Measurement Standards for U.S. State and local weights and measures jurisdictions. These workshops are made possible through the American Competitiveness Initiative funding in support of the U.S. transition to a hydrogen economy. The two and one half day workshops will familiarize weights and measures officials who will be responsible for field inspection and test of motor-fuel dispensers with the latest developments in the operation, performance and safety of hydrogen refueling and related transportation technologies. Workshop participants will also learn about the critical role weights and measures is playing in support of the hydrogen economy. Workshop sessions at the NIST Gaithersburg, Maryland campus are planned for: August 12-14, 2008 September 23-25, 2008 Sessions Include Presentations on: National and International Weights and Measures and Related Standards Work Hydrogen Safety Commercial Hydrogen Refueling Equipment Sessions Include Demonstrations of: Refueling Fuel Cell Vehicles Ride and Drive Fuel Cell Vehicles NIST WMD is seeking experts on hydrogen- refueling equipment, safety, properties, and related technologies who are available to serve as presenters in the workshops. If you have questions or are interested in presenting at the workshops please contact Juana Williams by email at juana.williams@nist.gov or by telephone at 301-975-3989. (3) July 2008 National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) Annual Meeting The NCWM will meet July 12-17, 2008 in Burlington, Vermont. The Specifications and Tolerances Committee and Meter Manufacturers Association1 will be briefed on the status of national and international work to develop commercial hydrogen measurement standards. (4) New NIST WMD Hydrogen Web Page In June 2008, NIST WMD launched a link from its home page to a new hydrogen web page titled "Developing Commercial Hydrogen Measurement Standards." The web page will be the U.S. weights and measures and hydrogen communities' source for the latest information and status of ongoing work to develop uniform and appropriate legal metrology standards for commercial hydrogen measurements. The web page includes the following topics: (1) U.S. National Work Group (USNWG) for the Development of Commercial Hydrogen Measurement Standards; (2) Development of International Standards; (3) NIST WMD Five Year Plan; (4) Quarterly Articles on Hydrogen News; (5) Helpful Hydrogen Links; (6) Current Hydrogen Events; and (7) Contacts in the NIST WMD for Commercial Hydrogen Measurement. The links for the new hydrogen web page are: http://ts.nist.gov/WeightsAndMeasures/index.cfm http://ts.nist.gov/WeightsAndMeasures/ Developing-Commercial-Hydrogen-Measurement-Standards.cfm If you have questions about this report or other related topics, please contact Juana Williams by email at juana.williams@nist.gov or telephone at 301-975-3989. 1 Meter Manufacturers Association (MMA) is a group of U.S. meter and related equipment manufacturers reorganized in 1976 to work to promote a better understanding of metering systems and their use through education, by addressing technology issues, and promoting uniformity in national standards and through harmonization with international legal metrology requirements.