13 - Development of service life prognosis systems for hydrogen energy devices

Abstract

Requirements for application of structural integrity prognostic systems (SIPS) for crack control in hydrogen energy systems are surveyed. Both crack monitoring and crack growth model predictions are required in SIPS systems. Calibration via experimental data will play a vital role in validation of SIPS prediction performance. For successful SIPS application it is found that significantly greater knowledge is required of the quantitative performance of current crack monitoring techniques. While models and material data for hydrogen-assisted static and fatigue cracking in steels are relatively advanced, these will suffice only for a SIPS applied to a simple steel pressure vessel for hydrogen storage. Data on fatigue crack initiation and early growth in hydrogen environments are relatively sparse. Knowledge of failure modes and damage growth models for lightweight carbon fibre wound pressure vessels with aluminium inner containers, used for on-vehicle hydrogen storage, is poor. Damage detection techniques for this type of vessel are at an early stage of development. Similarly knowledge of failure modes and their effects in hydrogen electrolysers and fuel cells; essential precursors to SIPS development is lacking. Topics for further development work necessary for successful SIPS in hydrogen energy systems are identified.