ISO/TC 197 SC 1 Plenary and ISO/TC 197 Plenary Meetings Report

by Karen Quackenbush, FCHEA

ISO/TC 197 held a series of meetings November 13-17, 2023, in Vienna, Austria. This report summarizes the highlights of the ISO/TC 197 SC 1 plenary meeting and ISO/TC 197 plenary meeting.

November 15 – Plenary meeting ISO/TC 197 SC 1

There are 24 Member Countries of SC 1 (17 attended) and 7 Observing Countries (1 attended).

The first document, ISO/TS 19870 Hydrogen technologies — Methodology for determining the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production, conditioning and transport of hydrogen to consumption gate is expected to be published by the end of November 2023.  

SC 1 noted that the transfer from ISO/TC 197 of ISO/AWI TR 22734-2: Hydrogen generators using water electrolysis – Part 2: Testing guidance for performing electricity grid service, which was accepted subject to corresponding ISO/TC 197 symmetrical resolution during the 2022 plenary meetings, has not yet occurred, because a proposal from Germany has not been received. The anticipated convenor is unavailable. Germany will work to identify a new convenor for the effort. Alternatively, another interested party may be proposed.

There were several potential New Projects discussed as follows:

  • Liquid hydrogen – Aerial vehicle fuel tanks – Presentation at plenary by Korea, and a New Project (NP) proposal has been submitted.  The NP received a favorable recommendation from the Technical Advisory Board.  The next step is to ballot the NP to member countries.

  • Methodology for GHG footprint assessment as a multi-part series (based on ISO/TS 19870) – Presentation at Plenary by SC 1 Sustainability program leadership and agreement to develop Parts 1-4 as follows. 

    • ISO 19870-1 on H2 production to production gate.

    • ISO 19870-2 on LH2 to consumption gate.

    • ISO 19870-3 on NH3 to consumption gate.

    • ISO 19870-4 on LOHC to consumption gate.

  • Hydrogen energy storage power stations – Presentation at plenary by China and agreement to create a Preliminary Work Item (PWI) to start the development of an NP.

  • Methodology for repurposing natural gas pipelines for transportation of hydrogen blended natural gas (for hydrogen concentrations below 10% vol.) – Presentation at plenary by China.  Agreement to prepare a NP proposal to develop a Technical Specification (TS) under the Vienna Agreement with CEN/TC 234.

  • H2 and high H2 content blends pipelines – Presentation at plenary by China and agreement to establish a dedicated AHG under the leadership of Prof. Jinyang Zheng to collaborate with relevant stakeholders and develop a roadmap for future standard development and other related activities

The next Plenary of SC 1 is planned to take place in conjunction with ISO/TC 197.

November 16 & 17: Plenary meeting ISO/TC 197 

Attendee list is not yet available, as several participants attended both in-person and virtually. There are 34 Member Countries of ISO/TC 197 and 18 Observing Counties.

Convenors of working groups whose terms were due to expire at the end of 2023 were reappointed for another 3-years, with the exception of the convenor for WG 24, which was deferred. This will be addressed after the meeting in a Committee Internal Ballot (CIB).

There were several potential New Projects discussed as follows:

  • Cryo-compressed hydrogen refuelling protocol – presentation by Germany. TC 197 agreed to start a Preliminary Work Item (PWI) to start development of the NP.

  • Updates to 19880-1 - Gaseous & Liquid Hydrogen Fueling Stations – presented by the U.S. TC 197 noted the proposal could not be accepted as originally submitted because it doesn’t meet the established scope of ISO 19880-1; however, there was agreement that the work is important. TC 197 agreed to establish an Ad hoc group, led by the U.S., to make recommendations on how to move forward with the desired technical work.

  • Hydrogen generators using metal oxidation – presentation by the Republic of Korea. TC 197 agreed to start a PWI to start the development of the NP.

It was also reported that a coordination meeting was held on November 14th between experts of WG 5 - dispenser nozzles, WG 19 – dispensers, and WG 22 – hoses and hose assemblies. WG 20 – valves, is currently inactive as the document has been published and not yet opened for revision. Over 40 experts participated in person and virtually. The purpose of the meeting was to address discrepancies in published standards regarding the breakaway pull force range, which enables a hose breakaway to detach during a drive-off event.

Following presentations from station operators and breakaway manufacturers, experts agreed to work toward harmonizing national and international standards requirements on breakaway separation to specify the range between 220 N – 1000 N, as specified in ISO 19880-3.

Discussion regarding the organizational structure of the TC took place, led by Dr. Jay Keller, as a follow on from discussions during the 2022 plenary. There was interest from some participants to work with Dr. Keller to refine the strawman structure he presented. This work will continue. 

Future Plenary Meetings:

  • December 9-13, 2024, Seoul, Korea

  • 2025 Date TBD, Location TBD, USA

IEC/TC 105 Plenary Meeting Report

by Haboon Osmond, FCHEA

IEC/TC 105 convened a series of meetings in Paris, France, from November 13th to 17th, 2023. This report focuses on the key highlights emerging from the IEC/TC 105 Plenary Meeting held on November 16th and 17th.

Key Highlights: 

  • Dr. Hong Ki Lee, representing Korea, was appointed as the new Chair of IEC/TC 105.

  • The following convenors were reappointed for a three-year term: Mr. Zhigang Qi (AG 1), Mr. Stephen McPhail (AG 2 and ahG 11), Mr. Toshiki Shimizu (AG 4), and Mr. Noel Dunlop (ahG 14)

  • The strategic business plan was approved.

  • MT 102 for Fuel cell modules – Safety (IEC 62282-2-100) is slated for a revision release in Nov/Dec 2023, led by convenor Eckhard Schwendemann.

  • MT 204 for Stationary fuel cell power systems – Installation (IEC 62282-3-300) is in the process of drafting to align with the EU Machinery Regulation in 2024, under the guidance of convenor Eckhard Schwendemann.

  • MT 201 is actively revising Stationary fuel cell power systems - Safety (IEC 62282-3-100) with Steve Maurer as the convener. Discussions included the potential inclusion of Power Electronic Conversion Systems, subject to review by TC 22. The target date for the first draft is January 31st, 2024.

  • JWG 16 is developing a draft Technical Specification (TS) on Cogeneration Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and is seeking input on fuel cell integration with Eckhard Schwendemann as the liaison.

  • A proposal aiming to identify IEC/TC 105 standards to be harmonized under European Law was rejected and removed from the agenda.

New Work Item Proposals (NWIP) Discussed:

  • WG 105, with Eckhard Schwendemann as the convenor, is initiating the development of a General Safety Standard for Fuel Cell Technologies starting in February 2024.

  • AHG 14, under the convenorship of Noel Dunlop, has been reconstituted to work on the project involving Fuel Cells in Maritime Applications. Expertise from non-PEM manufacturers is needed.

  • IEC/TC 105 noted the Accelerated Stress Testing report and requested convenor Stephen McPhail to submit an NWIP by June 30th, 2024.

Future Plans:

  • The tentative schedule for the 2024 IEC/TC 105 Plenary Meeting is set for either the week of September 23rd or November 18th in London, England.

CSA B107 Draft Open for Public Review

by Haboon Osmond, FCHEA

The CSA B107 Technical Subcommittee has posted the first edition of CSA B107 – Enclosed Hydrogen Equipment - Safety for review and comment.  

Access to the CSA public review systems is free of charge. However, individuals must create a login with a password to view and comment on the CSA B107 draft. Only comments submitted directly to the CSA Public Review System will be accepted. 

The draft will be available for review until December 24, 2023. Access the CSA public review portal to view the CSA B107 draft by clicking here.

Call for Abstracts for 2024 CHS Americas Conference

by Haboon Osmond, FCHEA

The Center for Hydrogen Safety (CHS) is calling for abstracts for its 2024 Center for Hydrogen Safety Americas Conference in Las Vegas, California, on May 21-23, 2024. The conference will bring together attendees from academia, industry, and government to discuss applied hydrogen safety topics and provide space for collaboration.

Conference session topics will include:

  • Fundamentals & Best Practices in Hydrogen Safety

  • Safety in Vehicle Design and Refueling Stations

  • Safe Storage & Transportation Of Hydrogen

  • Regulations, Codes, and Standards

  • Incidents & Lessons Learned

  • Safety in Production & Electrolyzers

  • Public Education and First Responder Training

  • New Applications and Cross-cutting or Applied R&D 

  • Hydrogen Blending in Natural Gas Pipelines: Gas Quality, Safety, and Future Prospects 

  • And Other Applied Hydrogen Safety Topics

The deadline for abstracts is January 12, 2024. To submit your abstract, please click here.

Compressed Gas Association’s Hydrogen Safety and Technology Seminar

by Haboon Osmond, FCHEA

The 2023 Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Hydrogen Safety and Technology Seminar was held October 17-20 at the Archer Hotel in Tysons, Virginia. More specifically, the seminar was held from October 17-18 and the committee and task force meetings from October 19-20.

The seminar discussed the following topics:

  • The latest safety standards and regulations

  • Emerging hydrogen technologies

  • Incident prevention and response

  • Best practices for working with hydrogen

To read the program, please click here.

Advancing Hydrogen Safety: CGA Unveils Educational Video on Small-Scale Hydrogen Production

by Haboon Osmond, FCHEA and Paul Pflieger, CGA

On November 2, the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) unveiled its latest hydrogen safety educational video, "Hydrogen Safety: Small Scale Hydrogen Production." The video delves into the burgeoning landscape of small-scale hydrogen production facilities, a consequential response to the escalating demand for hydrogen as a fuel source for fuel cell electric vehicles such as cars, buses, and trucks.

As these small-scale facilities become more prevalent, they play a pivotal role in bringing hydrogen sources closer to fueling stations, effectively catering to local demand. This proximity, however, brings forth new considerations regarding visibility and accessibility to the public, many of whom may possess limited or no prior experience with hydrogen and its safety considerations.

Operating these smaller facilities introduces distinctive safety challenges, including the need for strategic siting to ensure compliance with separation distances, address security requirements, and manage unmanned operating specifications. 

Reference in the video is CGA's H-17 Guideline for Small Scale Hydrogen Production, which offers a set of safety and operating guidelines to mitigate the various hazards associated with the operation of small-scale hydrogen production plants.

You can download/purchase H-17 here.

November H2IQ Hour Webinar: Hydrogen Safety Panel

by Haboon Osmond, FCHEA

On November 30 at 1:00 PM US Eastern Time, the Department of Energy’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office will explore how the Hydrogen Safety Panel (HSP) empowers organizations to navigate the next phase of clean hydrogen’s growth. This session will be led by Nick Barilo, Hydrogen Safety Program Manager at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Executive Director of the Center for Hydrogen Safety at the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

HSP has been a trusted and respected resource for 20 years, helping to overcome barriers to hydrogen fuel cell deployment and enable timely adoption. With diverse knowledge, rich experience, and technical objectivity, this not-for-profit expert panel ensures that hydrogen is safely stored and handled. HSP provides safety reviews, information dissemination, and training to government agencies, industry, and other stakeholders to support the safe use of hydrogen fuel cells.

The H2IQ Hour will include a 45-minute live presentation and 15 minutes of Q&A. A recording of the H2IQ Hour will be available on the website following the event.

To register, please click here.

Department of Energy’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office and National Renewable Energy Laboratory Workshop on Electrolyzer Installation

by Haboon Osmond, FCHEA

In collaboration with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the U.S. Department of Energy's Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office hosted a two-day Electrolyzer Installation Webinar on September 26–27, 2023. The webinar aimed to share and discuss lessons learned and best practices—including industry perspectives—for large-scale electrolyzer system installations in support of future growth in installations nationwide. The webinar focused on key challenges, cost drivers, and opportunities to streamline processes. Overcoming barriers to installations will ultimately contribute to the Hydrogen Shot goal of reducing the cost of clean hydrogen to $1 per kilogram. The webinar also included discussions of water and electrical requirements, safety, siting, standards, and cost analysis.

To view the presentations, please click here.

Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration Webinar on the Safety of Hydrogen and Other Alternative Fuel Vehicles in Tunnels

by Haboon Osmond, FCHEA

In support of the Hydrogen Interagency Task Force, the Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration hosted a webinar on Thursday, November 9, presenting research funded by the Department of Energy on the transportation factors unique to alternative fuel vehicles within tunnel environments. The webinar presenters include Chris LaFleur, Sandia National Laboratories, and Brian Ehrhart, Sandia National Laboratories.

Alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., those powered by batteries, compressed natural gas, and hydrogen) present unique hazards when operated within tunnels. Recent work by Sandia National Laboratories was presented, including a review of multiple types of alternative fuel vehicles and safety analyses of hydrogen-powered vehicles. Various experimental and numerical analyses in the open literature have explored different hazards for alternative fuel vehicles; these works were reviewed and compared between different fuel types. Hydrogen vehicles have been analyzed using probabilistic risk assessment and high-fidelity fluid/heat transfer modeling techniques for multiple tunnel geometries. After the presentation, an open discussion was held to develop a generalized framework for understanding the safety of hydrogen and other alternative fuel vehicles in additional tunnel types and to consider additional release scenarios.

To view the presentation, please click here.

Department of Energy Issues Notice of Intent for Funding to Advance the National Clean Hydrogen Strategy

by Haboon Osmond, FCHEA

On November 16, the U.S. Department of Energy announced a notice of intent for potential funding to accelerate the research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RDD&D) of affordable clean-hydrogen technologies. This potential funding will reduce the cost and improve the performance of critical elements of hydrogen infrastructure while streamlining and improving processes essential to the efficient, timely, and equitable deployment of clean hydrogen technologies. Achieving these goals will support the vision embodied in the U.S. National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap of affordable clean hydrogen for a net-zero carbon future and a sustainable, resilient, and equitable economy.

DOE’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) would administer the potential funding, which is expected to focus on the following topic areas:

  • Components for Hydrogen Fueling of Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles to develop advanced components for gaseous and/or liquid hydrogen dispensing;

  • Standardized Hydrogen Refueling Station of the Future to develop and demonstrate a low-cost, standardized, and replicable hydrogen fueling station that reduces operating and capital cost and offers scalability and hydrogen fuel flexibility (e.g., gaseous vs liquid);

  • Enabling Permitting and Safety for Hydrogen Deployment to identify and address the primary challenges to siting, permitting, and installation across the value chain from hydrogen production through end-uses;

  • Equitable Hydrogen Technology Community Engagement to design and implement activities focused on understanding the concerns of communities and providing education on hydrogen technologies.

To visit the EERE funding exchange to learn more about this potential funding, please click here.

Summaries of FCHEA’s WG meetings

by Haboon Osmond, FCHEA

Production Working Group Meetings Summary

FCHEA’s Production Working Group met on October 10 and November 8. In addition to discussing information dissemination on hydrogen and fuel cell policies and RCS updates, the meetings discussed working group updates and walk-in items.

Power Working Group Meeting Summary

FCHEA’s Power Working Group met on October 10. In addition to discussing information dissemination on hydrogen and fuel cell policies and RCS updates, PowerCell Group, an FCHEA member, presented to the working group. PowerCell Group presented an overview of its locations, fuel cell stacks such as the P-stack, various applications and reference projects (e.g., marine, stationary, off-road/rail, and aviation), and demonstration and framework for H2@Scale in Texas and beyond. The meeting closed with working group updates.

Commercial Working Group Meeting Summary

FCHEA’s Commercial Working Group met on October 31. In addition to discussing information dissemination on hydrogen and fuel cell policies and RCS updates, Twelve, an FCHEA member, presented to the working group. Twelve discussed its transformation of carbon dioxide into ingredients for chemicals, materials, and fuels; E-Jet technology; new business model, supply scale-up timeline; powers-to-liquids outlook; PEM carbon dioxide electrolyzer; and 2024 SAF journey. The meeting closed with working group updates.

Transportation Working Group Meeting Summary

FCHEA’s Transportation Working Group met on November 1. In addition to discussing information dissemination on hydrogen and fuel cell policies and RCS updates, Schaeffler, an FCHEA member, presented to the working group. Schaeffler discussed its products, goals, hydrogen strategy, holistic view of the hydrogen chain, commitment to hydrogen technology, core components of its fuel cell system, and vehicle activities. The meeting closed with working group updates.

If your company is an FCHEA member and you or your colleagues want to be added to any of our Working Group, Committee, or Task Force rosters, please contact Haboon Osmond at hosmond@fchea.org.