H2Tech - Q3 2022 - 24

SPECIAL FOCUS PATHWAYS FOR SUSTAINABLE H2
tise can also provide users with increased
levels of control than would otherwise be
obtainable, as well as relate critical device
process and diagnostic data. Intelligent
platforms with open-source software are
particularly recommended: these can
grow with each stage of development and
help companies maintain a competitive
edge while scaling up production.
Use the correct components for
safe and reliable operation. In electrolyzers,
fuel cells and fuel dispensing
stations, H2
effectively and efficiently: H2
FIG. 5. A regulator specially designed
to maximum H2
fuel cell efficiencyd
.
their design process and/or develop ways
to make it more efficient. Some suppliers,
for example, offer collaborative engineering
workshops that not only operate
as an extension of an OEM's expertise,
but also help build it. In these workshops,
OEMs work with engineers and
product experts to identify performance
metrics and requirement definitions, create
strategies that integrate findings, and
learn about application-specific technology
options and pilots. Educational resources
help OEMs integrate new technologies
(such as those that continue
to emerge in the H2
field), design best
practices regarding them, develop costsaving
strategies and accelerate their own
technological developments.
Select scalable, advanced technology
platforms. Advanced technology
platforms provide data and insights that
can empower informed decision-making
throughout the H2
value chain. This, in
turn, can improve operational safety and
reliability,
reduce emissions and optimize
production and energy use.
Solutions can monitor the wear of
pneumatic valves and actuators, detect
decompressed air leaks in pneumatic systems
and optimize compressed air consumption.
Without these, operators have
little to no information about the health
and performance of their machines, resulting
in expensive trial-and-error troubleshooting
and higher-than-necessary
downtime and carbon footprint.
Flexible and scalable software, when
backed by suppliers with domain and application
expertise, mitigates the risk of
such situations. The software and exper24
Q3 2022 | H2-Tech.com
must be controlled safely,
is a light,
explosive element and represents a safety
risk should leakage occur. Reliable pressure
and flow control, up-to-date monitoring
systems and robust components
built for hazardous conditions (FIG. 3)
are all necessary to keep people, equipment
and operations safe.
To prevent
leaks
electrolyzers and H2
and explosions,
dispensing stations
should be installed in shelters with proper
ventilation and protective systems,
including relief valves and bursting disc
systems as well as safety system shut-off
valves (FIG. 4). Ultrasonic gas leak detection
can also help protect these areas by
constantly monitoring for the ultrasound
generated by the release of pressurized
gas. Fueling stations can utilize a programmable
logic controller (PLC) with
integrated edge gateway capabilities to
further improve safety while guaranteeing
gas purity and precise metering. PLCs
such as these offer control by executing
predictive analytics, including dispensing
level, which in turn results in simplified
supply chain logistics and a reduction
in costs and unplanned downtime.
Connecting reliable pressure transmitters
and flowmeters to the gateway helps
manage high pressure and flow applications
more effectively, and also improves
safety by producing real-time alerts.
Precise flow is also vital to H2
fueling
stations (and also elsewhere in the H2
value chain). The H2
cordance with H2
fuel cell has been
fueling ramp, in acfueling
protocol SAE
J2601, is handled by a pressure control
valve and controlled via PID closed loop
with a pressure transmitter and a Coriolis
meter. Once an H2
properly fueled, onboard fuel regulators
can help maximize fuel efficiency by precisely
controlling the flow of H2
to the
fuel cell. It is important to choose a regulator
that provides consistent pressure in
the full range of operating conditions,
such as the model illustrated in FIG. 5.
Finally, in cases where green H2
is
injected into natural gas pipelines, a
gas chromatograph can verify H2
to achieve an approved natural gas/H2
blend percentage, and injection accuracy
can be determined by a flowmeter
connected to a pressure control valve
that is actuated with a PID controller.
These combined measures will help
prevent H2
from causing embrittlement
and corrosion of the pipeline through
which it flows.
It is highly recommended that OEMs
source components like those mentioned
above from suppliers that have
comprehensive, specialized portfolios
of such products. This
allows OEMs
to obtain field devices, valves, control
systems, educational services and support
from a single source, simplifying
the supply chain and helping to meet
production targets. Expert suppliers of
this kind should also have the necessary
knowledge to fulfill all necessary
requirements and certifications: it is
critical that suppliers and OEMs alike
comply with all regulations regarding
equipment installation, commissioning
and operation.
NOTES
a
Emerson DeltaV™ Electronic Marshalling
with CHARMs
b Emerson AVENTICS™ Air Prep Panel
d
c Emerson TESCOM™ VA and VG series valves
Emerson TESCOM™ HV-3500 Series Hydrogen
Onboard Regulator
LITERATURE CITED
1
" Record number of newly opened hydrogen
refuelling stations in 2020, " FuelCellWorks News,
February 17, 2021, online: https://fuelcellsworks.
com/news/record-number-of-newly-openedhydrogen-refuelling-stations-in-2020/
2
" Companies
are developing over 200 GW of
hydrogen electrolyzer projects globally, 85% of
which are in Europe, " Aurora Energy Research,
May 11, 2021, online: https://auroraer.com/
media/companies-are-developing-over-200-gwof-hydrogen-electrolyser-projects-globally-85-ofwhich-are-in-europe/
NICOLAS
MARTI is the business
development manager for EMEA-
alternative fuel and combustion/
fluid and motion control at
Emerson. Marti joined Emerson
in 2012 and specializes in
H2
technology, including
technologies for H2 filling stations and onboard
H2/CNG applications. He received his education
at the Paul Cézanne University Aix-Marseille III.
purity

https://fuelcellsworks.com/news/record-number-of-newly-opened-hydrogen-refuelling-stations-in-2020/ https://fuelcellsworks.com/news/record-number-of-newly-opened-hydrogen-refuelling-stations-in-2020/ https://fuelcellsworks.com/news/record-number-of-newly-opened-hydrogen-refuelling-stations-in-2020/ https://auroraer.com/media/companies-are-developing-over-200-gw-of-hydrogen-electrolyser-projects-globally-85-of-which-are-in-europe/ https://auroraer.com/media/companies-are-developing-over-200-gw-of-hydrogen-electrolyser-projects-globally-85-of-which-are-in-europe/ https://auroraer.com/media/companies-are-developing-over-200-gw-of-hydrogen-electrolyser-projects-globally-85-of-which-are-in-europe/ https://auroraer.com/media/companies-are-developing-over-200-gw-of-hydrogen-electrolyser-projects-globally-85-of-which-are-in-europe/ http://www.H2-Tech.com

H2Tech - Q3 2022

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