Hydrogen sensors - tests and development

As one of the measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the use of hydrogen holds promise for growth in both the stationary and transportation energy sectors. To achieve this goal, the measurement infrastructure supporting the health, safety and environmental aspects of hydrogen during production, transmission, distribution and storage needs to be developed.  These measurements are essential to meet goals with respect to sustainability, environment, and permissions to operate.

Hydrogen sensors are a crucial enabling technology for the safe use of hydrogen. The sensors can be used to trigger alarms and activate ventilation or shut down systems to prevent hydrogen reaching flammable levels. In the hydrogen industry, sensors can have at least three applications; 1) leak detection, 2) contributing to ensure the lifetime of fuel cell electrical vehicles and 3) measuring hydrogen in mixtures such as H2/NG mixtures (hydrogen/natural gas).

Sensor performance must meet the end-user needs, and the end-user needs must be identified and documented. There is therefore a need to develop reliable sensors and verify that the sensors fit the application, first in an exposure chamber (laboratory testing) and then onsite.

RISE can test sensors using our own-developed test rig. The test can be adapted to different types of applications. For you as a customer, this means that you can hire RISE for a specific need, or as a partner throughout your development journey.

We can perform different tests to assess the metrics of sensors: accuracy, baseline, cross-sensitivity or selectivity, drift, environmental effects, final indication, hysteresis, limit of quantification, linear range/measuring range, noise, operation range (temperature, pressure, and relative humidity), uncertainty, response/recovery time, reversibility, resolution, saturation, and sensitivity.

Welcome to RISE with your idea or problem related to sensors for the hydrogen industry