Hydrogen Newsletter Winter 1999: Others’ Activities

The ‘Bigger Picture’ Affecting Hydrogen

By David Conover, Senior Program Manager, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Codes, standards, regulations, and other similar criteria developed, adopted, and implemented at the international, national, state, and local levels will have an impact on the design, construction, application, and use of hydrogen-based technologies. One such technology is the fuel cell. Whether for vehicular, portable, or stationary applications, those involved with fuel cells and other hydrogen producing or using technologies will have to pay particular attention to codes, standards, and regulations.

NHA, in conjunction with its members, other parties, and with support from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is participating in the codes, standards, and regulations process. Past articles have apprised you of efforts with ISO/TC-197 on hydrogen and activities of the NHA Codes and Standards Working Group. The purpose of this article is to initiate coverage of other activities and begin to build a basis to address the “bigger picture” affecting hydrogen.

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) TC-105 on fuel cells has recently been formed. Several countries have expressed an interest in being Secretariat. The U.S., through ANSI, is in the process of organizing its participation. The scope of IEC/TC-105 is all aspects of fuel cells. Initial discussions between interested parties in the U.S. to ensure coordination with ISO/TC-197 are underway. Stay tuned!
ASME PTC 50 is developing a standard for determining the performance of fuel cells. Draft text has been prepared. Will reforming or other processes to make hydrogen be “charged” against fuel cell efficiency? The most recent meeting of PTC 50 was January 28 and 29. More to come!
NFPA has drafted a standard (853P) covering the installation of stationary fuel cells. Out for public review until 1 January 1999, the committee responsible for 853 will meet in late March to consider comments. Will an 853 be approved this year and published in 2000? How will it interact with other NFPA standards such as 50A and B on hydrogen?
The International Code Council (ICC) promulgates model codes that form the basis for the majority of federal, state, and local building codes in the U.S. Proposed changes to these codes have been published and will be the subject of public hearings 15-27 March in Costa Mesa, California [U.S.A.]. Of interest is a proposed change to adopt the ANSI Z21.83 standard for stationary fuel cell power plants (recently published). Other proposed changes address building and fire code requirements related to hydrogen detection and fire safety. See http://www.intlcode.org for additional details.

Other standards organizations involved in or watching fuel cell technology are Underwriters Laboratory and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Stay tuned as we focus future efforts enhancing coordination and cooperation.

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