H2Tech - Q2 2021 - 20

EXECUTIVE VIEWPOINT
capabilities. An integrated control and
safety system (ICSS) is also a critical tool
to ensure optimized start/stop sequencing with embedded sequence diagnostics.
Conversion, storage and transport.
Before H2 can be used for power, it must
be converted, stored or transported. With
pressures of up to 15,000 psi in the value
chain, H2 must be effectively, efficiently
and safely controlled. No inboard or outboard leaks can occur due to integrity issues with static or dynamic seals. Even
some metals can be negatively affected by
prolonged exposure to H2 , a process called
H2 embrittlement. Risk assessments and
strict regulations must also be met.
Working with H2 requires serious, dependable control to ensure that systems
operate safely. Companies need to know
that they do not have loss across their systems, and they need to know how much
H2 is passing through transmission/transfer points. Integrating components that
reliably monitor and measure H2 into systems is essential.

Every system includes certain final
control elements (FCE), such as shutoff
and metering valves, high-pressure regulators, pneumatic actuators and solenoid
valves. Reliable, high-quality control and
safety circuits provide the precision necessary to maintain appropriate pressure
and flowrates and preserve H2 purity,
and can be monitored remotely. Sensors
should be integrated to monitor pressure, temperature and flowrates. If smart
equipment is used, data can be collected
to improve productivity and ensure high
operational yields.
It is also important to have a supplier
with a complete portfolio. What is even
more important, however, is working
with partners with extensive H2 experience and expertise that are familiar with
the regulations and certifications. They
understand the plantwide ecosystem and
have the safety and controls equipment
needed to monitor, measure and control
H2 effectively and efficiently. They should
also have the flexibility to address a vast
range of designs and applications.

FIG. 1. It is beneficial to work with a trusted central partner across the entire H2 fuel value chain.

Mobility. A key element of the transition
to H2-powered vehicles is the fuel cell. Fuel
cell power systems can be used to power
passenger cars, commercial vehicles and
more. Like electrolyzer manufacturers,
fuel cell manufacturers can benefit from an
expert supplier with an extensive portfolio.
For fuel cells, that portfolio should
include high-reliability flow control, pressure regulators, safety junction boxes and
flameproof cable glands. Designs should
be compact and lightweight to enable
manufacturers to create systems with
high power density and extended cell life.
Manufacturers can lower the risk of fuel
cell system failure with solutions that provide stable pressure regulation, safe distribution and equipment connectivity.
Once H2-powered vehicles populate
the road, drivers will need to refuel them.
As fueling stations transition to green H2,
they face sustainability, safety and maintenance challenges. One concern is accurate
monitoring of H2 flow to ensure that customers dispense the right amount of fuel
every time, quickly and safely. Another is
accurate maintenance of the condition of
fueling stations and their critical components to ensure that stations are available
for users at any given time, whether they
are deployed in dense or remote areas. Fueling station equipment can leverage digital transformation to solve some of these
critical challenges.
Starting at the device level, smart sensor technology and the data it provides
can lay the foundation on which digital
transformation is built. Building on this
foundation, utilizing a programmable logic controller (PLC) with integrated edge
gateway capabilities can provide complete
control and turn aggregated data into realtime information/analytics of the fuel dispensing process or of the condition of the
system itself.

FIG. 2. Key technology partners have a broad range of equipment for measurement and control processes.

Q2 2021 | H2-Tech.com

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H2Tech - Q2 2021

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