Practical Implementation of Renewable Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Installations in the Built EnvironmentGavin D. J. Harper & Ross Gazey

Early Niche Markets for H2 InstallationsData Centres (Business Continuity, UPS)Public / Municipal BuildingsHospitalsConcert VenuesSwimming PoolsOffice BlocksCurrent installations are by “early adopters” and “innovators”

Hydrogen: The Global Context

Safety is Critical For Public AcceptanceSafety is critical to protect “nascent technologies at a critical time in their emergence into the wider consciousness” (Gammon, 2004)“ …we don’t know much about it at all, other than we used to make bombs out of this stuff.”-Local Hornchurch resident, Mike Dyer Romford Recorder May 2003.“My feelings are rather strong on this, I think it must be dangerous.”-Local Hornchurch resident, Stephen Kelly, Romford Recorder May 2003.Quotes excepted from Garrity (2004)

Primary DataCollected from PURE Energy Centre Projects

PURE Energy Centre, Baltasound, UnstThe PURE Energy Centre is a venture on the northernost Shetland Island of Unst. Established originally as a community venture, the project has since grown into a world-leading consultancy on clean hydrogen.Island communityHighest Oil Prices in UK‘Energy Isolation’ – North Sea Oil currently generates revenue.Lack of “highly skilled” jobsProblems retaining young people on the islandLow wages, hard to generate wealth, limited opportunitiesTwo Proven Wind Turbines Produce Renewable Power This feeds an electrolyser which produces hydrogen. This hydrogen can be stored, for later use. An onsite hydrogen fuel cell provides heat and power. A small fuel cell vehicle can be refuelled using H2

The PURE Energy Centre is a venture on the northernost Shetland Island of Unst. Established originally as a community venture, the project has since grown into a world-leading consultancy on clean hydrogen.

Island community

Highest Oil Prices in UK

‘Energy Isolation’ – North Sea Oil currently generates revenue.

Lack of “highly skilled” jobs

Problems retaining young people on the island

Low wages, hard to generate wealth, limited opportunities

Image Courtesy: PURE Energy Centre

Image Courtesy: PURE Energy Centre

Image Courtesy: PURE Energy Centre

Image Courtesy: PURE Energy Centre

Shetland, Unst: The Energy IslandImage Courtesy: PURE Energy Centre

Shetland, Unst: The Energy IslandGrid Independent HousesHydrogen from RenewablesFuel Cell provides Combined Heat and PowerTurbineHousesImage Courtesy: PURE Energy Centre

Grid Independent Houses

Hydrogen from Renewables

Fuel Cell provides Combined

Hydrogen Office, MethilEnergy efficiencyIncreased insulationIncreased efficient glazing to minimise heat loss and unwanted heat gainNatural ventilation to remove the need for air conditioningA layout that maximises natural daylight to minimise the need for artificial lightingEfficient lighting and control systemsA ground source heat pump, also recovering waste heat from a fuel cell and electrolysis unit, to provide most of the heating and hot water for the building

Increased insulation

Increased efficient glazing to minimise heat loss and unwanted heat gain

Natural ventilation to remove the need for air conditioning

A layout that maximises natural daylight to minimise the need for artificial lighting

Efficient lighting and control systems

A ground source heat pump, also recovering waste heat from a fuel cell and electrolysis unit, to provide most of the heating and hot water for the building

Environmental Energy Technology CentreThe main criteria for the development of EETC are:Iconic buildingUse of innovative technology‘Zero carbon building’Iconic Renewable Hydrogen SystemSupport enterprising and innovation of productsExploit opportunities arising from low carbon economy

Iconic building

Use of innovative technology

‘Zero carbon building’

Iconic Renewable Hydrogen System

Support enterprising and innovation of products

Exploit opportunities arising from low carbon economy

Environmental Energy Technology CentreElectrolyserFuel CellCompressorStorageEETCNational Gridhttp://www.hydrogen-yorkshire.co.uk/

Environmental Energy Technology CentreHydrogen Mini Grid can supply:3 Phase Mains @ 415vElectrical power -From the On-Site Wind Turbine -From the National Grid -From the grid-synchronised fuel cell.Hydrogen Gas @ up to 350bar -For refuelling hydrogen vehicles -For refilling hydrogen bottles

Secondary DataGammon, R., Roy, A., Barton, J., & Little, M., (2006) Hydrogen and Renewables Integration (HARI), Report to the International Energy Agency HIA Task 18, CREST (Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology), Loughborough University, UK

Hydrogen & Renewables Integration ProjectGammon, R., (2006) IEA HIA Task 18 Report

Hydrogen & Renewables Integration ProjectH.A.R.I.Home of Prof. Tony MarmontAutonomous Hydrogen HomeImages Courtesy:Rupert Gammon / Tony Marmont

Relevant Safety Information& Legislation

There is not yet a standard for hydrogen installations in the same way that there is the GasSafe (Formerly CORGI) quality mark for domestic and commercial gas installations. The United Kingdom Hydrogen Association is working to address this. Present guidance is taken from the statutory industrial regulations listed below and manufacturers standards, and projects are assessed on a case-by-case basis, this adds significant expense to hydrogen installations due to the extra work of performing due-diligence.Need to move towards a standard that can be assessed by a “competent person”

Companies such as BOC have a long experience of working safely with Hydrogen as an industrial gas.HAZOP Analysis – Hazard and operability studies; are a useful tool in refining process and procedure to ensure safe-working practise.Also consider: Strong alkali which is used in electrolyser systems, its storage and use should be done in accordance with the COSHH regulations.ATEX (Explosive Atmospheres)COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)PED (Pressure Equipment Directive)

ATEX (Explosive Atmospheres)

COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)

PED (Pressure Equipment Directive)

Pressure Equipment Directive EU standardThe pressure equipment directive covers vessels, piping, valves and associated accessories for safety and managing pressureFor installations running at greater than 0.5barThe Pure Energy® Centre’s HyPod® running at 38-42 bar as an example, whilst next-generation hydrogen vehicles will require refuelling at between 300-750bar.Pressure Equipment Directive 97/23/EC

The pressure equipment directive covers vessels, piping, valves and associated accessories for safety and managing pressure

For installations running at greater than 0.5bar

The Pure Energy® Centre’s HyPod® running at 38-42 bar as an example, whilst next-generation hydrogen vehicles will require refuelling at between 300-750bar.

ATEX directiveTwo directives, from the European Union, one which applies to the manufacture of equipment and their associated protective systems for use in explosive environments, and the other which applies to the operation and use of equipment in explosive environment.ATEX 95 equipment directive 94/9/EC, Equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres; ATEX 137 workplace directive 99/92/EC, Minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres.

ATEX 95 equipment directive 94/9/EC, Equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres;

ATEX 137 workplace directive 99/92/EC, Minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres.

The BCGA provide guidance on the use of industrial compressed gases (exclusively for UK installations):Code of Practice CP8 Safe Storage of gaseous hydrogen in seamless cylinders and similar containersCode of Practice CP25 Revalidation of bulk liquid oxygen, nitrogen, argon and hydrogen cryogenic storage tanks.Code of Practice CP33 The bulk storage of gaseous hydrogen at user premises 2005.Whilst currently not relevant, the regulations pertaining to liquid and cryogenically stored Hydrogen could be important in the future as hydrogen installations evolve.

Code of Practice CP8 Safe Storage of gaseous hydrogen in seamless cylinders and similar containers

Code of Practice CP25 Revalidation of bulk liquid oxygen, nitrogen, argon and hydrogen cryogenic storage tanks.

Code of Practice CP33 The bulk storage of gaseous hydrogen at user premises 2005.

In addition, the IGC provide the following guidance notes:6/93 Code of Practice: Safety in storage, handling and distribution of liquid hydrogen.15/96 Gaseous Hydrogen StationsWhilst the U.S. Compressed Gas Association provide the following:G-5 HydrogenG5-4 Standard for Hydrogen Piping at Consumer LocationsG5-5 Hydrogen vent systemsFurthermore, the U.S. National Fire Protection Association provide:50A Gaseous hydrogen systems at consumer sites50B Liquefied hydrogen systems at consumer sitesUntil explicit UK guidance is developed, best practice is used from international case studies.

6/93 Code of Practice: Safety in storage, handling and distribution of liquid hydrogen.

15/96 Gaseous Hydrogen Stations

G-5 Hydrogen

G5-4 Standard for Hydrogen Piping at Consumer Locations

G5-5 Hydrogen vent systems

50A Gaseous hydrogen systems at consumer sites

50B Liquefied hydrogen systems at consumer sites

Architectural Detailing

Planning ProcessEducate the ClientEducate the Planning OfficerEducate the local Fire ServiceNeed for much improved knowledge transfer.

Educate the Client

Educate the Planning Officer

Educate the local Fire Service

Passive Safety Through Architectural Detailing

Points to NoteIndividual components work well… “Systems Integration” is the challenge for services engineers.“Packaged” solutions may be an easy route to turn-key adoption (off-site fabrication)More space for servicing may need to be allowed whilst hydrogen technologies are developing.In common with other CHP, size fuel cell to meet maximum heat demand.Consider using with GSHP / Cooling (Tri-Gen)

Points to NoteSub 100kW Fuel Cells Accommodated in 19” Racks.High temperature systems in excess of 200kW will fill a 20’ container with auxiliary devices, safety systems and balance of plant.Clearance at front and rear for access.Consider siting:Electrical cables flowing to and from the fuel cell.Hydrogen supply pipework supplying the fuel cell.An exhaust pipe which will be large diameter and take a similar form to a gas boiler flue.A waste water drain for the exhaust water from the fuel cell.

Points to NoteDry hydrogen through pipes can build up static charge (equipotential bonding as with gas)Consider careful siting of flue to prevent creating an “ATEX Zone” remove sources of ignition.Waste water (very clean can be recycled)Fuel cell outputs D.C. power.

Conclusions“The barriers to this are not technical but mindset, regulatory, political interference and vested interest.”Allan JonesFormer Chief Executive OfficerLondon Climate Change Agency Ltd