Innovative projects for efficient hydrogen use

Innovative projects for efficient hydrogen use

Hydrogen and fuel-cell technology play a key role in the advanced development of carbon-neutral energy. Between 16 and 20 April 2007, TÜV SÜD will inform visitors to the international flagship trade show Energy at Hannover Messe about the development of an innovative pipeline system to transport cryogenic liquid hydrogen as part of the "icefuel" project, and the certification of portable fuel-cell systems for mobile or decentralized applications (Hall 13, stand D67).

The icefuel project was launched in summer 2006 with the objective of improving energy infrastructure and integration of renewable energies in power distribution and supply. Hydrogen plays a key role as energy carrier and energy source in the intensified use and advancement of renewables. So far, however, hydrogen infrastructure has not been suitable for advancing widespread hydrogen use, focussing primarily on transport with special tank trucks and decentralized hydrogen production. The icefuel project, funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research, centres around the development of an innovative pipeline system allowing efficient transport and easy distribution of cryogenic liquid hydrogen (LH₂) to a variety of end-consumers such as private households or companies. "The special challenges for this new type of infrastructure lie in the low transport temperatures of below -253°C and in the safety equipment" says Tom Elliger, hydrogen expert at TÜV SÜD. As one of ten project partners, TÜV SÜD provides end-to-end safety support for the new concept and the planned annular pilot system. "We are striving for a safety level comparable to that of the natural gas-supply system, which has proved its reliability over decades, while unleashing the benefits of the hydrogen economy."

Certification of portable fuel-cell systems impending

As an energy carrier, hydrogen can significantly improve the use of renewables and mobile or decentralized energy supply. A number of manufacturers worldwide are currently developing mobile fuel-cell systems suitable for camping applications, for use on boats or to assure interruption-free power supply to cell-phone transmitter stations. TÜV SÜD experts support manufacturers throughout the entire development of these systems – from initial planning to completed certification - by providing their know-how and experience. "Manufacturers benefit from the early involvement of our experts, as all safety-related aspects are considered right from the design and development phase and costly iterations prior to market launch avoided", explains Tom Elliger. In addition, fuel-cell system certification by TÜV SÜD allows compliance with the wide range of requirements on the individual target markets, such as applicable directives and standards on the Single European Market or liability laws on the US American market.

Further information about TÜV SÜD services and hydrogen and fuel-cell use are available here. For technical information contact Tom Elliger, Tel. +49 (0) 89 / 57 91 – 22 67.

Editor: Dr. Thomas Oberst