Science-based framework for ensuring safe use of hydrogen as an energy carrier and an emission-free transportation fuel

Abstract

The objective of this research is to examine the safety-related characteristics of candidate hydrogen storage materials being considered for use in light-duty fuel-cell vehicles (LD-FCV) under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Hydrogen Program. This research aims to provide useful meaning to the general DOE safety target by establishing a link between the safety-related characteristics of candidate storage materials and satisfaction of DOE safety target. Accordingly, a science-based framework has been developed and consists of standardized materials tests (based on internationally accepted ASTM and United Nations testing protocols), novel risk mitigation strategies, and subscale system demonstration. The examined storage materials include NaAlH4, AlH3, 2LiBH4 + MgH2, 3Mg(NH2)2·8LiH, NH3BH3, and activated carbon (Maxsorb AX-21). The scope of safety tests covers conditions that the storage material may encounter during postulated accident scenarios such as dust cloud explosion, materials reactivity in air and other fluids, hot-surface contact, mechanical impact, and fast depressurization. The generated results uncovered potential fire and explosion risks under accidental conditions. The generated insights can be useful for assigning realistic probability values needed for quantifying risk scenarios, characterizing material’s hazard class, and supporting current and new hydrogen safety codes and standards. For risk mitigation, this study showed that powder compaction could be effective in suppressing pyrophoricity of hydride powders such as NaAlH4. Also, the study has experimentally demonstrated that adding (NH4)H2PO4 as a flame retardant to the hydride powder before compaction could suppress sensitivity of hydrides like NaAlH4 to ignite due to mechanical impact. The results also revealed that Maxsorb AX-21 to be a safer hydrogen storage medium compared to the examined hydrides which exhibited potential safety concerns under certain accident conditions.