Fire safety of hydrogen filling stations

Introduction. The problem of greenhouse gas emissions from hydrocarbon-powered vehicles, polluting the air, makes consumption of hydrogen as an alternative motor fuel particularly relevant. Solutions to this problem are provided in a number of works written by foreign researchers. This article contains the analysis of these works in respect of fi re and explosion safety assurance at gaseous and liquid hydrogen filling stations (hydrogen fi lling stations).

Features of hydrogen storage. Motor fuel storage is a main problem of hydrogen filling stations and their operation. Most advanced hydrogen storage methods (applicable to gaseous, liquid and adsorbed hydrogen, as well as metal hydrides that contain hydrogen) are analyzed in the work.

Compressed hydrogen filling stations. Fire and explosion safety features of filling stations, where compressed hydrogen is stored, are considered by the author. As a rule, mobile fuel trucks, equipped with compressed gas tanks, are used there.

Liquid hydrogen filling stations. Fire safety aspects of filling stations, where liquid hydrogen is stored, regasifi cation is performed, and vehicles are fi lled with compressed gas, are also analyzed.

Hydrogen formation at filling stations. One of the ways to supply fuel to a hydrogen filling station is to produce it on site using dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane, which is delivered in tank trucks. Hydrogen is compressed and stored in cylinders. Fire hazards arising at such stations are analyzed.

Main provisions of NFPA 2 in terms of hydrogen filling stations. The requirements of the international standard NFPA 2 Hydrogen Technologies Code. 2016 Edition, that apply to compressed and liquefi ed hydrogen filling stations, are considered.

Conclusions. The author has made a conclusion that hydrogen fi lling stations are intensively built in several countries. It has been proven that if necessary protective measures are taken, hydrogen fi lling stations can be as safe as those using hydrocarbon fuel. It is necessary to develop a domestic regulatory document containing fi re safety requirements applicable to hydrogen fi lling stations with account taken of the international experience.

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