Activity Update: ISO TC 197 Working Group 9
Falco
Thuis, Convener, ISO TC 197 WG 9
 It
is my pleasure to report the work within ISO TC 197 working group 9 regarding
fuel processing technologies is still on track. Encouraged by the beautiful weather
and pleasant Paris atmosphere, the working group had a very productive and successful
meeting at AFNOR June 6 and 7. Experts of Japan, Argentina, USA and The Netherlands
were present at the meeting. The meeting's objective was to be ready for issuing
both the Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) with regard to our safety standard
and the draft CD regarding the performance of hydrogen generators. Please find
detailed information below.
ISO/DIS 16110-1 "Hydrogen Generators
Using Fuel Processing Technologies - Part 1: Safety"
The Draft International
Standard (DIS) has been circulated for balloting by ISO Central half October 2005.
All P-members except one voted in favor of the DIS. Based on this result, the
DIS has been approved. To get the standard to the next level we extensively discussed
all 169 comments received. We succeeded in addressing all comments and made the
related changes to the standard. Only a few of the comments were considered critical.
One of them was related to a change of the title by adding the word ''stationary"
to reflect that the standard is only applicable to stationary applications. After
discussion, the working group decided not to change the title. The group concluded
the scope already excludes non-stationary applications and the current title is
consistent with other ISO TC 197 standards.
 As
a result of our productive meeting, we are now ready to issue the FDIS to the
ISO TC 197 secretary who will do a technical check and some editing work before
circulating the FDIS for balloting.
Finally, I would like to thank all
country experts providing us the valuable comments on the DIS. Please continue
the good work even if some of your comments have been rejected by the working
group.
ISO/CD 16110-2 standard "Hydrogen Generators Using Fuel
Processing Technologies - Part 2: Test Methods for Performance"
As
reported before (HFCSR,
December 2005), the CDV on fuel cell system performance from IEC TC 105 Working
Group 4 was used as a starting point. To get a better fit for hydrogen generators,
the IEC draft was almost fully restructured.
 The
current standard provides methods to determine the relevant inputs and outputs
of the hydrogen generator. It does not provide an equation to calculate the production
efficiency of the hydrogen/hydrogen rich pissues that needsroduct. One of the
main further discussion is the possible need for an equation to determine the
hydrogen generator efficiency. Furthermore, if an equation is needed we have to
determine the level of detail in the equation. Through the Committee Draft (CD),
which has been sent to all member countries, we encourage the countries to give
their input on this item taking into consideration the below thought.
Naturally,
focusing on efficiency is only one aspect when comparing hydrogen generator performance.
Customers purchasing hydrogen generators are interested in knowing various consumptions,
such as: power rating, fuel gas input, air flow, etc. To adequately reflect this
practice in the hydrogen generator and fuel cell industry, we sought to de-emphasize
efficiency and instead promote the word 'performance' as is now also stressed
in the title.
I would like to thank the all WG9 members (and their organizations)
who for almost four years have reviewed in detail and discussed passionately and
at length both documents. I would like to extend a special thanks to those who
contributed in person and attended one of our working group meetings.
Further
details about ÏSO TC 197 WG9 (deadlines, etc) can be found in: http://www.hydrogensafety.info/archives/2004/jul/5.html.
Contact
info
Falco Thuis
Kiwa Gastec Certification
Falco.Thuis@kiwa.nl
+31
555 393 240
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