Call for experts for the IEC TC 105 WG 8 “Micro fuel cell power systems - Safety”

By Karen Quackenbush, FCHEA

Experts are being sought to advance development of International Standards for IEC/TC 105 WG 8 Micro fuel cell power systems – Safety.

Background information

The second edition of IEC 62282-6-100 (2012-10) Fuel cell technologies - Part 6-100: Micro fuel cell power systems – Safety; Ed.1.1 was initiated in 2012. The Second Edition is being developed by splitting the First Edition into a Part 1 (62282-6-101) covering common requirements, as well as individual “Part 2” documents for different specific technology types. This Second Edition will include improved requirements, as well as provide some requirements for new technologies as desired.

This first edition of the standard has been adopted in the UK, Germany, Austria, the European Union, and China. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Technical Instructions have also incorporated the standard, which impacts shipping of micro fuel cell devices all over the world.

The revision of Part 1 is essentially complete; however, circulation is to be timed with circulation of at least one Part 2 document. This means that although a revision has been ready for comment and vote by the entire TC, it could not move forward without at least one completed Part 2 technology-specific document.

There are currently two Part 2 documents that are nearly ready for circulation as a CD:

  • Part 6-106 Indirect Class 8 (corrosive) compounds
  • Part 6-107 Indirect water-reactive (Division 4.3) compounds

In addition, we recognize there may be other organizations with a micro fuel cell technology which is not currently covered by the published IEC 62282-6-100 document, and is not yet covered in the two draft Part 2 documents.

IEC/TC 105 WG 8 Convenor, Karen Quackenbush (USA) is eager to get the work of IEC/TC 105 WG 8 on track so the documents ready for ballot will be released and work on new Part 2 documents can get underway.

As it has now been two years since WG 8 met, a call for experts is herewith issued to ensure that the WG membership represents current stakeholder interests. WG 8 would like to hold an in-person meeting shortly after establishment of its list of member experts, with an aim of moving the part 1 document, along with the two part 2 documents which are nearly complete, to CD phase quickly.

The convenor would also like to determine any interest in beginning work on further part 2 documents at this time, and a plan for addressing technologies which are outside the scope of existing part 2 documents.

Anyone with an interest in being a nominated expert for this international working group is encouraged to contact the convenor by email at kquackenbush@fchea.org no later than August 15th, 2017.

Maritime Industry develops safety codes for fuel cells in maritime applications

By Karen Quackenbush, FCHEA

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is developing safety codes for the use of fuel cells in maritime applications.  This mandatory code for ships using gases or other low-flashpoint fuels entered into force on January 1, 2017.  The initial code provides a clear legislative framework for ships to install LNG fuel systems. Requirements for other low-flashpoint fuels are under development.

Previously, ships that have LNG or other low flashpoint fuel systems needed to obtain permits from each port authority or the maritime administration in the countries where they call, but from 2017, vessels built and approved in accordance with the IGF Code will be able to trade freely around the world. These vessel will have SOLAS certificates to confirm that the requirements of the IGF-Code are met for a specific type of fuel.

The Code addresses all areas that need special consideration for the usage of low-flashpoint fuels, taking a goal-based approach, with goals and functional requirements specified for each section forming the basis for the design, construction and operation of ships using this type of fuel. Specific provisions for fuel cells operating on a variety of low-flashpoint fuels, including methyl/ethyl alcohol, and hydrogen, are under development.

According to the summary of the IMO-CCC 3rd session, the Sub-Committee made progress on the development of safety provisions for ships using fuel cells, with the preliminary drafting of a proposed new part E on fuel cell power installations to the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code). Part E would cover installation, fire safety and other relevant matters. The IGF Code Correspondence Group was tasked with finalizing the provisions.

The IGF Code Correspondence Group was tasked with further developing draft technical provisions for the safety of ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel.

The International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) aims to minimize the risk to ships, their crews and the environment, given the nature of the fuels involved, IMO said in its press briefing.

The IGF Code addresses all areas that need special consideration for the use of low-flashpoint fuels, taking a goal-based approach, with goals and functional requirements specified for each section forming the basis for the design, construction and operation of ships using this type of fuel.

Specific provisions for fuel cells are still developing under the auspices of the IMO SUB-COMMITTEE ON CARRIAGE OF CARGOES AND CONTAINERS (CCC).  The next meeting of the IMO-CCC sub-committee is 11-15th of September at IMO HQ in London.  To read the meeting summary of the IMO-CCC’s third session which made significant progress regarding fuel cells and hydrogen, please visit http://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/MeetingSummaries/CCC/Pages/CCC-3rd-session.aspx.

For further information on the IGF Code or the IMO-CCC, please visit http://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Pages/Default.aspx.

In related news, on June 29th, leading shipowners and operators, classification societies, engine and technology builders and suppliers, big data providers, and oil companies signed up to a new Global Industry Alliance (GIA) to support transitioning shipping and its related industries towards a low carbon future. 

The GIA will collectively identify and develop innovative solutions to address common barriers to the uptake and implementation of energy efficiency technologies and operational measures. Focusing on a number of priority areas including energy efficiency technologies and operational best practices, alternative fuels, and digitalization, activities likely to be undertaken or promoted by the Alliance will include, inter alia: research and development; showcasing of advances in technology development and positive initiatives by the maritime sector; industry fora to encourage a global industry dialogue; and the implementation of capacity building and information exchange activities.

Following the official GIA launch, the first GIA Task Force meeting was convened to discuss work modalities and kick-off the GIA work. For further information on the GIA, please visit http://glomeep.imo.org/

OIML R139 Revision to Include Hydrogen Systems

by Connor Dolan, FCHEA

The International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) is in the process of revising OIML R139 to expand its focus to include hydrogen systems. This OIML Recommendation provides the international technical requirements and testing procedures, which corresponds to the domestic hydrogen code that is found in NIST Handbook 44.

A first committee draft of the revision to OIML R139 that was last published in 2014 is now ready for review.  The document is entitled “Compressed gaseous fuel measuring systems for vehicles,” and was originally focused on fueling systems for compressed natural gas (CNG).  This revision cycle is now focused on expanding the application of the recommendation to hydrogen systems.  FCHEA is working with Ralph Richter of NIST to facilitate industry review of the draft document in order to establish a US position.

Major changes in the document include the following:

  • Two new MPEs for hydrogen systems (accuracy classes that are significantly higher than those for CNG systems). 
  • Minimal measured quantity is 1 kilogram. 
  • The durability test was revised so that now only meters with moving parts need to be tested. 
  • Sections of the R139 testing procedures were re-written to make to make them applicable specifically to hydrogen systems.  

FCHEA’s Transportation Working Group (TWG) will be discussing this item during our next meeting in August.

FCHEA members interested in reviewing the draft to provide input are encouraged to contact Connor Dolan via email to cdolan@fchea.org as soon as possible. Comments on the draft are due to FCHEA by Friday, August 11th.

2017 Annual Merit Review Proceedings on Safety, Codes and Standards now Available

View presentations from the Safety, Codes and Standards session at the Annual Merit Review in June 2017.

Safety, Codes and Standards Overview, Will James, U.S. Department of Energy

Safety, Codes and Standards Presentations

To locate posters and presentations from other meeting sessions, go to the main page of the 2017 Annual Merit Review Proceedings.

Upcoming Conferences focus on Hydrogen Safety

by Karen Quackenbush, FCHEA

The 7th International Conference on Hydrogen Safety (ICHS 2017) will be held in Hamburg, Germany from September 11-13, 2017 under the auspices of the International Association for Hydrogen Safety HySafe. The ICHS conference provide an open platform for the presentation and discussion of new findings and for sharing information and data on hydrogen safety. For further information, including registration, please visit https://www.hysafe.info/ichs2017/.

The 2017 Fuel Cell Seminar & Energy Exposition (FCS&EE) will be held in Long Beach, California, from November 7-9, 2017. Final touches are underway for the 2017 Technical Program, which has been expanded this year to include a theme of safety and lessons learned on hydrogen infrastructure deployment.

Exhibitor and Attendee Registration is now open at https://www.fuelcellseminar.com/.