ISO explores hydrogen fuel cell storage for safer transport

By Staff -- Plant Engineering, 12/1/2006

An ISO technical specification defining safety requirements for the transport of long-lasting fuel cells heralds a new era for handheld consumer devices such as laptops and mobile phones.

Hydrogen can be stored and transported in solid form and later released and used under specific thermodynamic conditions. Until now, hydrogen storage systems could only be transported following approval by the competent authority in each country – a process that does not ensure consistency across international borders. A new system for transporting hydrogen will facilitate the commercial progress of the industry as well as help build consumer confidence in the use of hydrogen as a clean and safe energy source.

“ISO/TS 16111:2006, Transportable gas storage devices – Hydrogen absorbed in reversible metal hydride,” is a new standard published by ISO that will help pave the way for larger, widespread applications of hydrogen by facilitating the safe design and use of transportable hydrogen gas storage canisters. It describes the service conditions, design criteria, type tests and routine tests for these canisters.

“We are helping make hydrogen a reality,” said Randy Dey, chairman of the technical committee that developed the new specification. “Next generation handheld consumer devices will use hydrogen to refuel the incorporated micro fuel cell. Several advantages that these new products will provide include the availability of more power, long user time between refueling and faster refueling.”