2024-03-11

Analysis of Hydrogen Sensor in Hydrogen Energy System Solution


Background

Global warming and the erosion of major energy resources are creating a long-term impact on our society and will continue to have an adverse impact on our future generations. in the pastGlobal energy consumption has increased by about 40% in 10 years, and the degree of industrialization in emerging countries is increasing at an explosive rate. As a result of this industrialization process, greenhouse gas and particle emissions have increased dramatically, directly affecting climate and air quality. Vehicles that burn fossil fuels and are used for transportation have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions and air quality of more than 25%.

Over the past few years, automakers have improved engine efficiency, reduced harmful emissions from gasoline and diesel vehicles, and developed alternatives such as battery-powered vehicles. Battery-powered vehicles eliminate harmful emissions and fill a variety of niche markets, but their short distance performance relative to traditional cars makes them unattractive for some applications, such as heavy trucks.

Concept

Other new concept vehicles that are being developed as alternatives to battery-powered vehicles are essentially zero emissions and acceptable driving distances greater500 kilometers. A promising new concept car uses hydrogen fuel cells as a power source. Hydrogen is mixed with oxygen through the flow of hydrogen in membrane fuel cells. Each fuel cell generates a voltage of 0.7 volts. The remaining gas reacts and forms a harmless solution. Solution-clean water (H2O). Combining the energy of multiple batteries can drive the vehicle's electric drive system and produce only near-zero harmful emissions.

However, as you may have guessed, hydrogen fuel cells require sophisticated power control and battery management systems to keep them running.

The fuel of a fuel cell vehicle is stored at a pressure700bar of compressed hydrogen in a gas storage tank. In order to distribute the hydrogen inside the system, the hydrogen must be repeatedly compressed to a pressure value of between about 10 and 20bar. This pressure needs to be further reduced to less than 1bar before the hydrogen can actually enter the fuel cell.

 

Question

Compared to other gases, hydrogen has unique chemical characteristics. Hydrogen is very flammable, and hydrogen molecules are extremely small, so special seals are required to eliminate leaks. During the hydrogen filling process, the hydrogen tank is often cooled-40 C and below, thus reducing the ductility of the system. Another problem is that hydrogen can be brittle to most commercially available steels, so it is necessary to select a combination based on austenitic steels suitable for hydrogen.

 

Solution

ASTSeries pressure sensors utilize special gradesThe pressure interface and sensing element made of 316L stainless steel can effectively prevent the product from being affected by hydrogen embrittlement. The sensing element is produced by thin film (titanium oxynitride) technology. The pressure interface and the sensing element are welded together to form an integrated design structure, and the system does not need to be internally sealed.

The seriesSuitable for hydrogen sensors certified according to the following standards:

EC79/2009, Type approval for hydrogen-powered vehicles

Conclusion

The development of new alternative energy sources will be an ongoing priority for the transportation industry to impose mandatory requirements on automakers to reduce harmful emissions, including greenhouse gases, particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. In addition, consumer preferences and related regulations are also driving automakers to increase vehicle fuel economy.

Hydrogen Sensor, EC79/2009