H2SIPP (Hydrogen Safety and Improved Permit Processes)

Background

Despite several decades of research on hydrogen releases, there are still important gaps to be filled regarding safety.

One of the main knowledge gaps relates to radiation heat transfer from hydrogen jet flames. The amount of radiated heat, and its spectrum, differ considerably as compared to jet flames with fossil fuels. The research on hydrogen safety is part of the H2SIPP External link.-project, where the goal is to enable implementation of hydrogen in Nordic countries.

Well-established safety distances are of paramount importance for the wide implementation of hydrogen technologies in society since they affect both the design and location of new facilities. The less knowledge there is, the higher the requirements for safety/protective measures typically become. Some guidance can be obtained from the examination of similar activities, but as the assessment must be made on a case-by-case basis the possibility of analogously applying the process from another type of activity is limited. For hydrogen applications, the lack of a coherent regulatory framework amplifies these challenges, creating a situation characterized by a high level of uncertainty and thereby considerable costs, seriously threatening the investments.

Aim and objectives

The aim and objectives of researchers of the structural and fire engineering group in the project are:

• Perform research on radiation from hydrogen jet flames, radiative heat transfer, and the radiative thermal effects on surrounding objects.

Other objectives investigated are:

• Develop safety distances for implementing an efficient and safe hydrogen infrastructure, from a permit, safety, and social acceptance perspective.

• Support streamlining the permitting process in general and specifically for safety distance determination which is considered one of the major challenges for a broad implementation of hydrogen technologies.

Facts

Finances: Swedish Energy Agency, Nordic Energy Research, P2023-00561

Timeline: Project start in 02-2023 and project end (planned) in 02-2026.

Principal Investigator: Cecilia Wallmark (Project manager)

Principal Investigator Hydrogen Safety: Michael Försth (Professor).

Team members Hydrogen Safety: Rhoda Afriyie Mensah (Post-doctor), Joakim Sandström (Senior lecturer), Oisik Das (Associate professor), Andrea Correa (PhD student), Lucas Andersson (PhD student)

H2SIPP External link. is a continuous collaboration between research disciplines part of the CH2ESS External link. network at Luleå University of Technology, Lund University, Aalto University, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Energigas Sweden, Zelk Energy, Skoogs Bränslen, Bodens Utveckling AB, Gällivare's business community, SSAB, Gen-H Oy, Hydri, Nordion Energy, AFRY.

Dissemination

LTU CH2ESS Research Day | Luleå tekniska universitet External link.

Safe and efficient hydrogen infrastructure (youtube.com) External link.