4 DOE/HQ Update – Antonio Ruiz
Antonio reported, first giving a review of the Safety, Codes and Standards Workshop at the NHA Conference last Monday (3-30). The event was very well attended, and included a number of presentations, including separations distances and indoor fueling at materials handling facilities. Antonio would like to see more of these types of workshops in the future. He also reported on the C&S workshop NREL is holding today in SC for local permitting officials.

Antonio also then provided a update on the DOE Budget. The 2009 budget will include $52 million above the request for Vehicles Technology program, and they will be able to retain their focus in 2009. He is looking for DOE to get more involved in the J2601/nozzles effort, and would like to see DOE get more involved in the fuel quality issue as well. Antonio also reminds everyone of the upcoming international hydrogen conference coming up the week of Sept 16th in Corsica, France.

Also have a Task meeting in CA at the end of the month.

Regarding the FY2010 budget, Antonio reported that the budget request would normally be expected in February, but that it hasn’t happened yet this year – this process should happen by the end of the month.


5 Hydrogen Industry Panel on Codes (HIPOC) Activities - Darren Meyers
Antonio provided an update. DOE/NREL is trying to standardize their process for conducting their workshops. This is in response to formerly reported problems on a lack of public understanding of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and their related safety, codes and standards information. They are trying to make it easy for permitting and other local officials to know exactly what tools they have at their fingertips regarding hydrogen and fuel cell issues.

6 CSA America Activities - Julie Cairns/ Connie Bielawski
Julie Cairns provided an update and presented the attached slides on CSA America’s hydrogen work for those in attendance. CSA has worked on Fittings, Pressure Relief Devices, Fuel System Components, and On Board Compressed Container. Julie’s presentation also includes a list of hydrogen-related standards CSA is planning to publish as Tentative Interim Requirements later this month as well as other documents to be published over the course of the coming year.

• Julie's presentation (701Kb PDF)

7 SAE Activities - Mike Steele/ Glenn Scheffler
Glenn Scheffler reported updates. J2578 new ventilation changes for buildings will just be rolled into SAE documents. J2579 certification of hydrogen system – Japanese trying to shorten, and understand the unique importance of the pressures being put on hydrogen tanks do to fast fills and quick temp/pressure changes.


8 TC197/USTAG - Jill Thompson
Jill deferred to Glenn, since he is the Chair of the TC. Key development was the development of the hydrogen connection/nozzle - ISO/CD 17268 - He urges the technical people on call to provide review and look specifically at the how it covers the connection devices.

Currently out for vote: ISO/CD 17268, Compressed hydrogen land vehicle fueling connection devices. U.S. TAG comments are due on May 5, 2009. This ballot ends on June 16, 2009.


9 Other Updates
Kelvin Hecht reported on TC105, WG4 – Stationary FC Power Systems – Performance. Comments due to the US TAG by April 15.

In addition, WG 10 Micro Fuel Cells – Cartridge Interchangeability is as coming due by April 15.

He also reported that Japan, on behalf of the Japan Electrical Manufacturer’s Association (JEMA), is proposing a new standard; Small Stationary Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Power Systems – Performance Test Methods, which the US TAG has adopted a position not to support, and that Germany will be working to provide new standard on fuel cell systems explosion protection, and so US will have to develop a stance on this issue.

Kelvin also reported robust visits to the Fuel Cell Standards website this past month. It is going through a new editorial approach, and seeking input/feedback. On its calendar, he is now providing dates for when all these standards are coming due – hopefully this will assist readers.

• Kelvin's report on fuelcellstandards.com (Kb PDF)
  
  

Juana Williams reported on NIST activities. Provided update for upcoming meeting in Sacramento. Questions regarding wholesale applications have come up. Groups still interested in performance for fuel measuring systems.

R139 model regulations for compressed gas for fueling vehicles – US took 81 – devices for measuring cryogenic liquids – will contain metrological requirements, etc. Look for this to go out for comments in the next 5 days. The way the draft is written right now, fuel will be measured in kilograms.

Paul May provided a NFPA update beyond what he reported on behalf of the HIPOC. The NITMAM (Notice of Intent to Make a Motion) on NFPA 55 has been pulled, so that document won’t be brought to the annual meeting. On NFPA 52, 10 of 11 NITMAMs have been pulled, so there is only one remaining that will need to be dealt with at the annual meeting.



10 CU-ICAR Presentation - Dave Bodde/ Rob Leitner
Dave Bodde (Clemson University professor) delivered the presentation below on how to connect sustainability and innovation to the auto industry. Discussion followed on how INSuM could help bridge the gap between the codes and standards and entrepreneurial communities.

• Dave's presentation (55Kb PDF)

11 Open Discussion & Other Issues
Next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 6th at 3:00 – 4:30 PM ET