HYPER Places International Focus on Hydrogen Research
Reprinted with permission from RenewableEnergyAccess.com

Notice of Public Hearing on Storage, Handling, and Dispensing of Liquefied and Gaseous Hydrogen
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Waste and Hazardous Materials Division

Hydrogen Safety Engineering Course Available
Karen Hall, National Hydrogen Association

Upcoming Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Safety-related Events

California Hydrogen Fuel Quality Regulation
Karen Hall, National Hydrogen Association

HYPER Places International Focus on Hydrogen Research
Reprinted with permission from RenewableEnergyAccess.com

The U.S. Department of Energy's domestic FreedomCAR and Fuels presidential initiative has now gone global, and researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are playing a key role in that worldwide effort. 
Late last year Sandia joined a European consortium called "HYPER," for HYdrogen PERmitting. The endeavor, part of the international goal of making hydrogen one of the dominant carriers of energy, is driven by wide optimism that the so-called "hydrogen economy" will eventually become a reality, and by a feeling that developing alternative sources of energy is no longer a choice but a necessity.

"We're all working toward a similar goal—making hydrogen a dominant energy carrier sooner rather than later," says Jay Keller, hydrogen program manager at Sandia. "We're better off all playing together than alone, so this international research effort is essential."
Sandia's primary contribution to HYPER, says Keller, is in the area of safety codes and standards, work it has been carrying out on DOE's behalf.

HYPER has 15 partners from France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the U.S. HYPER's research focus is on small (10 kilowatts), stationary hydrogen fuel cells that could be used to provide auxiliary power in homes. Even though this differs from the FreedomCAR focus on transportation, there is enough overlap for a fruitful collaboration, says Keller.

Sandia is addressing the science and technology that goes into understanding unintended releases of hydrogen. This work will ultimately aid in developing codes and standards that will suggest how to design and operate a hydrogen fueling station in the safest possible manner. This year DOE has asked Sandia to focus specifically on barriers and how they might impact safety. Several HYPER partners are collaborating with Sandia on this barrier work. 

"Everyone needs to consider barriers as a mitigation strategy," says Bill Houf, a principal investigator for Sandia's work with HYPER. "The question we are trying to answer is ‘does a barrier mitigate the effects of an unintended release, or does it create conditions that exacerbate the release?'"

An unintended release of hydrogen at 2,500 psi (pounds per square inch) could result in a 12-foot-long jet flame. A barrier would block that flame but could cause unintended detrimental effects, such as a significant and possibly damaging overpressure.

The overpressure, explained Houf, could induce a more dangerous situation than a jet flame. If the overpressure gets high enough it could break glass, damage walls, or eardrums. Modeling is key to hydrogen research, so a lot of the experimental results will go toward validating models. Modeling is also used to refine tests to maximize use of money and resources. 

"We can't test everything. Most of our tests are done for supply pressures of 2,500 to 6,500 psi, but vehicles may be fueled at 10,000 psi," says Houf. 

Sandia is involved in two projects for HYPER, one on modeling and the other on barrier interaction experiments. At a HYPER meeting in Pisa, Italy, in May, Sandia's work plan was touted as an example to be emulated by other members of the consortium. 
Along with Sandia, the University of Ulster, University of Pisa, the UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Germany's Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe (FZK) and Russia's Kurchatov Institute are collaborating on the two projects. Each partner brings its own strengths to the project. For example, Keller points out that FZK's modeling capability will be used to complement Sandia's efforts in understanding the overpressure issue.

HSE has larger test facilities that will allow consequence and behavior work on a massive scale—what Keller called the "big bang." Kurchatov Institute has enclosed facilities capable of testing explosive mixtures, something that Sandia does not have access to in the U.S. 

Some of the international partners have an advantage in terms of government support and funding. For example, Germany has enjoyed strong funding for fuel cell research for much longer than the U.S. 
"Europe has been pretty aggressive at pushing hydrogen into their infrastructure," says Keller. "This partnership helps us leverage international activities in science. The energy problem is too important to work in isolation."

First published in Renewable Energy Access on August 17, 2007. Please visit www.renewableenergyacces.com

Notice of Public Hearing on Storage, Handling, and Dispensing of Liquefied and Gaseous Hydrogen
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Waste and Hazardous Materials Division

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Waste and Hazardous Materials Division (WHMD), will conduct public hearings on two different proposed administrative rules packages promulgated pursuant to the Fire Prevention Code, 1941 PA 207 (Act 207); R 29.4001 to R 29.4003, R 29.4021 to R 29.4035, R 29.6001, R 29.6002, and R 29.6036 to R 29.6097; and R 29.7001, R 29.7002, R 29.7010 to R 29.7068, and R 29.7071 to R 29.7127, respectively. The first proposed rules package addresses the storage, handling, and dispensing of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and provides for the use of new technology. The second proposed rules package addresses the storage, handling, and dispensing of liquefied and gaseous hydrogen.

The public hearing on the LPG rules will be held on September 18, at 10:00 a.m. The public hearing on the hydrogen rules will be held on September 18, 2007, at 1:00 p.m. Both public hearings will be held in the Con-Con Conference Room, Constitution Hall, Atrium Level South, 525 West Allegan Street, Lansing, Michigan 48933.

Copies of the proposed rules (SOAHR 2006-064EQ and SOAHR 2006-063EQ, respectively) can be downloaded from the Internet through theState Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules. Copies of the rules may also be obtained by contacting the Lansing office at:

Waste and Hazardous Materials Division
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 30241
Lansing, Michigan 48909-7741
Phone: 517-335-7211
Fax: 517-335-2245

All interested persons are invited to attend and present their views. It is requested that all statements be submitted in writing for the hearing record. Anyone unable to attend may submit comments in writing to the address above. Written comments must be received by September 25, 2007.

Persons needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should contact the WHMD at 517-335-7211 one week in advance to request mobility, visual, hearing, or other assistance.

This notice of public hearing is given in accordance with Sections 41 and 42 of Michigan’s Administrative Procedures Act, 1969 PA 306, as amended, being Sections 24.241 and 24.242 of the Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL). Administration of the rules is by authority conferred on the Director of the DEQ by Section 3c of Act 207, being Section 29.3c of the MCL and Executive Order 1998-2. These rules will become effective seven days after filing with the Secretary of State.

Hydrogen Safety Engineering Course Available
Karen Hall, National Hydrogen Association

The University of Ulster has recently announced that the Postgraduate Certificate Course in Hydrogen Safety Engineering, the world’s first higher educational course in this field, will be taught for the second time, starting on 24 September 2007.

The program consists of two modules: "Principles of Hydrogen Safety" and "Applied Hydrogen Safety". The course offers the latest knowledge on innovations and developments in Hydrogen Safety with the topical content of the modules complying with the International Curriculum on Hydrogen Safety Engineering (http://www.hysafe.org).

The course is offered in the distance learning mode. Trainees are therefore not restricted to a specific campus location: the course can be attended from anywhere in the world. The topical content of the course is derived from the International Curriculum on Hydrogen Safety Engineering (http://www.hysafe.org/index.php?ID=68) and more details are given in the attached validation document.

Information about how to register with the course is given in this flyer(577Kb PDF) and available from the on-line prospectus at:http://www.campusone.ulster.ac.uk/potential/
postgraduate.php?ppid=24.

Additional weblinks relating to the course, the University of Ulster, and the projects that they are involved with are included here:

Upcoming Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Safety-related Events

CARB Environmental Standards for Hydrogen Production Workshop
September 18, 2007 - Sacramento, CA, USA
This workshop will discuss the development of a proposed regulation enacting requirements on the production of hydrogen as a transportation fuel. 
For more information:http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/hydprod/hydprod.htm 

CARB Environmental Standards for Hydrogen Production Workshop
September 19, 2007 - El Monte, CA, USA
This workshop will discuss the development of a proposed regulation enacting requirements on the production of hydrogen as a transportation fuel. 
For more information:http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/hydprod/hydprod.htm 

Society of Automotive Engineers: Fuel Cell Safety Workgroup Meeting
September 18-19, 2007
This meeting will be available by WebEx and Conference Call. Meeting access information can be found:http://forums.sae.org/access/dispatch.cgi/TEVFC_pf/
showFolder/100593/def/def/ca63 

Society of Automotive Engineers: Fuel Cell Standards Committee Meeting
September 20, 2007
This meeting will be available by WebEx and Conference Call. Meeting access information can be found:
http://forums.sae.org/access/dispatch.cgi/TEVFC_pf/
showFolder/100561/def/def/bf39 

Global Technical Regulation (GTR) Hydrogen Vehicles Kick-off meeting
September 20-21, 2007 - Bonn, Germany
Working Party 29 on Hydrogen Vehicles will have its kick-off meeting. The co-sponsors of the GTRs (US/JP/DE) submitted a plan to WP29 and it was approved in June (this will be added to the minutes) and the kick-off meeting will be held in Bonn, Germany, on September 20/21. Meetings will continue next year. 

CARB Training Seminar
September 21, 2007 - Santa Ana, CA
California’s Fleet Rule for Public Agencies and Utilities, title 13, California Code of Regulations, sections 2022 and 2022.1, became effective January 5, 2007. The regulation reduces diesel particulate matter emissions from on-road heavy duty diesel-fueled vehicles owned or operated by a municipality or utility by requiring the use of best available control technology (BACT). This seminar is designed to provide an opportunity for municipalities and utilities to learn about the regulation and to learn about types of devices and strategies available to assist with compliance. For more information, go to:http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/publicfleets/seminarflyer1.pdf . 

ASME/Savannah River National Laboratory Safety Conference
September 24-25, 2007 - Aiken, SC 

Fuel Cells in a Changing World: Tenth Grove Fuel Cell Symposium
September 25-27, 2007 - London, UK
The conference sessions will reflect the industry progress featuring advances in the main application areas including:

  • Transportation, Hybrids & APUs, and Commercialisation
  • Commercial/Industrial & Large Stationary Fuel Cells
  • Residential & Small Portable Fuel Cells
  • Consumer Electronics & Micro Fuel Cells
  • Fuels for Fuel Cell Applications

http://www.grovefuelcell.com/index.htm 

The following side event will be held to raise awareness of regional hydrogen and fuel cell activities:

  • The Regional Partnerships Networking and Debating Event
    September 25, 2007
    If you are interested in participating in this partnership-building event and discussing your success stories and issues please contact Zoe Jennings, London Hydrogen Partnership Manager atzoe.jennings@london.gov.uk

US TAG ISO TC 197
October 3, 2007 - Chantilly, VA, USA
The ISO/TC 197 US TAG meeting will be October 3, 2007 beginning at 9:00 AM and is expected to finish no later than 5:00 PM. The meeting will be at CGA Headquarters in Chantilly, Virginia (near Dulles International Airport). 

NIST Hydrogen Measurement Standards Workshop
October 3-4, 2007 - Gaithersburg, MD, USA
The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) is holding a U.S. National Work Group Meeting to begin work on developing hydrogen measurement standards. Registration for this meeting has closed.
http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/confpage/071003.htm 

California Fuel Cell Partnership Events

During the OC Auto Show and the Coronado Speed Festival, the California Fuel Cell Partnership will offer:

  • Test drives of fuel cell vehicles made by DaimlerChrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen
  • Opportunities to see and learn how to refuel with hydrogen
  • Demonstrations about how fuel cells work
  • Discussions with the engineers who work on this technology

Visit http://www.cafcp.org/events.html to learn more about the events and pre-register for your test drive. 

Fuel Cell Seminar
October 15, 2007 - San Antonio, TX, USA
Over 2300 participants and 175 exhibiting companies—representing over 36 different countries—attend the annual Fuel Cell Seminar & Exposition, making it the largest fuel cell meeting in the world! Participants include technical leaders, scientists, educators, researchers, developers, investors, students and manufacturers of fuel cell products.
http://www.fuelcellseminar.com/ 

Side events include:

  • North American Hydrogen Fuel Quality Team
    October 15, 2007
  • National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Codes & Standards Coordinating Committee
    October 16, 2007
  • A third side event is being planned.

Southern California Clean Vehicle Technology Expo
October 16-27, 2007 - Ontario, CA, USA
Over 600 of Southern California’s fleet operators, alternative and clean vehicle manufacturers, infrastructure technology providers, funding agencies, and other industry experts exchange information on clean vehicle funding, policies and regulations. Hear from the manufacturers directly about their off-road/construction and light-/medium-/heavy-duty product offerings for 2007 and beyond.
http://www.cleanvehicleexpo.com

NFPA 2 TC
Oct 23-26, 2007 - San Ramone, CA, USA
Draft agenda (902Kb PDF) 

IEC TC 105 – Plenary
October 25-26, 2007 - Paris, France
Draft agenda (password required) 

CARB Training Seminar
October 25, 2007 - Alameda, CA
California’s Fleet Rule for Public Agencies and Utilities, title 13, California Code of Regulations, sections 2022 and 2022.1, became effective January 5, 2007. The regulation reduces diesel particulate matter emissions from on-road heavy duty diesel-fueled vehicles owned or operated by a municipality or utility by requiring the use of best available control technology (BACT). This seminar is designed to provide an opportunity for municipalities and utilities to learn about the regulation and to learn about types of devices and strategies available to assist with compliance. For more information, go to:http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/publicfleets/seminarflyer1.pdf .

CARB Public Meeting on Hydrogen Fuel Quality Regulations
October 29, 2007
This meeting will discuss comments to the draft regulations put forwad by the California Department of Measurement Standards. See related article. 

World Hydrogen Technologies Convention 
November 4-7, 2007 - Montecatini Terme, Italy
WHTC2007, a conference of International Association for Hydrogen Energy, mainly focused on industrial aspects to create a bridge between research and application. A special workshop, organized by Zero Regio project, will be held on November 6th. After the conference there will be meetings of ISO TC 197 and of Hydrogen Implementing Agreement of IEA. 
http://www.whtc2007.com/ 

ISO TC 197 – 16th Plenary Meeting
November 8, 2007 - Montecatini Terme, Italy

California Hydrogen Fuel Quality Regulation
Karen Hall, National Hydrogen Association

The State of California has been working closely with industry to develop a regulation for hydrogen fuel quality.

After reviewing the comments from the first two drafts, significant changes have been made to the proposed regulation. Again, the California Department of Measurement Standards (DMS) is seeking input and assistance from interested parties to provide comment on this final draft before starting a formal regulatory adoption process.

Comments will be accepted until September 18, 2007.

Once the formal regulatory adoption process begins, the draft will be available for public comment for 45 days. 

Details about the process can be found at:
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/dms/hydrogenfuel/hydrogenfuel.html

The current version of the draft regulation can be downloaded as a PDF directly at: 
www.cdfa.ca.gov/dms/hydrogenfuel/HydrogenFuelRegulations.pdf

A public meeting to discuss comments is expected to take place on October 29, 2007 at 13:30 at CARB.