TEST, SAFETY, SYSTEMS
Dräger X-am 8000 personal gas detectors are used during vehicle maintenance
FAUN Umwelttechnik is pioneering the integration of hydrogen fuel cell technology into its fleet
GAS DETECTION FOR FCEVS
T
he heavy-duty trucking industry stands on the brink of a transformative shift with the integration of fuel cell
electric vehicle (FCEV) technology. Because of the growing potential for this zero-emission powertrain solution, it is important to consider its risks as well as the surrounding infrastructure and value chain. The inherent properties of
hydrogen — colourless, odourless, explosive as well as highly flammable — pose unique safety challenges that must be meticulously managed. Safety incidents relating to hydrogen and humans aren’t uncommon. According to an analysis of the Hydrogen Incidents and Accidents Database (HIAD) conducted by the
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Dräger discusses safety technology crucial to ensuring the safety of heavy-duty fuel cell electric vehicles
European Hydrogen Safety Panel, human error accounted for 29% of all reported incidents from the database’s creation up until 2021, with 66% of all incidents happening within normal business hours. Enhancing safety necessitates the
development of a robust hydrogen detection system. With over a century of expertise in gas detection, Dräger advises that an effective stationary gas detection system should include a comprehensive network of essential components. Central to this system is a sensor housed within a gas warning transmitter, connected to a control unit. This unit plays a crucial role in triggering subsequent measures, such as activating alarms or operating ventilation systems.
THREE LANES OF STATIONARY DETECTION Zooming in on the technology involved in stationary gas detection, there are three main components to consider: point gas detection, flame detection and ultrasonic gas leak detection. One layer for stationary detection is
ultrasonic gas leak detection (UGLD), which utilises acoustic technology to rapidly detect hydrogen leaks within a radius of up to 15 metres from the source. This method is particularly effective in outdoor settings where wind may disperse hydrogen away from traditional point gas detectors. UGLD systems provide straightforward binary feedback, indicating either the presence or
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