Hydrogen compression for filling stations

Working with the world's leading hydrogen gas compressor manufacturer for hydrogen refuelling stations
Overview
The use of hydrogen (H2) in fuel-cells for road vehicles is becoming more widespread, and the network of H2 filling stations is growing. Our customer is the leading supplier of H2 gas compressors to this market with hundreds of compressor installations worldwide.
Project Brief
Work with the customer to develop a hazardous area solution for their H2 compression system, to protect the control electronics in the event of an H2 leak from the adjacent compressors & piping.
Working pressures can be as high as 700 bar for certain types of vehicle refuelling, so a rigorous approach to all aspects of gas safety is essential.
Given the worldwide market for these systems, a wide range of certifications was also required.
Challenges
- Easy integration into existing systems, low visual impact
- Capability to be modified to meet specific customer requirements
- Class I Div 2 / Zone 2 specifications
- Wide range of global certification
Outcome
- Purge and pressurization (Ex p) was the best solution to protect the control electronics, which are housed in a dedicated control enclosure.
- A flush mount Z-purge system, leakage compensation type, was selected to avoid unneccessary protrusion and limit the risk of damage.
- The purge flow capacity of the Z purge was selected to ensure a short purging time prior to system start up.
- The system carries the following certifications: IECEx, ATEX, EAC, FM, cULus, INMETRO, KOSHA, CCC, PESO
Expo Products and Services
- Panel mount Mini-Purge type Z-LC
- Expo Engineering & Consultancy support