From 6 to 9 October, OPTHYCS rolled out its second demonstration at Aragon Hydrogen Foundation, moving safety testing to the most critical point for the first time: the hydrogen station dispenser.
The campaign, which brought together TECNALIA, LUMIKER, ENAGAS and FHa, marked a qualitative leap forward from the first demo in May. This time, the fibre optic sensors were not only validated on a test bench, but were also integrated directly into the dispenser, subjecting the system to real hydrogen refuelling conditions.
Two scenarios, one single requirement
The consortium designed a dual validation environment to ensure both the repeatability and the operability of the system:
- At the HRS Dispenser: A control booth was set up in front of the refuelling point. From there, optical fiber was run to the dispensing nozzle, where controlled H₂ leaks were induced to measure sensitivity under real conditions.
- On the Test Bench: The setup from the first demo was replicated, allowing the current sensors’ behaviour to be compared against the new generation sensors developed within the project.
The protocol included direct connection to the dispenser circuit, the induction of leaks at defined critical points, and comparative evaluation under standardized and operational conditions.
From lab to field
This second demonstration confirms the maturity of the early hydrogen detection system using optical fiber, moving it closer to its final deployment context. Rigorous validation is key to ensuring that hydrogen-based mobility is not only viable but also safe.
With six demonstrations completed at the facilities of the consortium—formed by TECNALIA, LUMIKER, ENAGAS, FEBUS, Natran, GERG, and FHa—OPTHYCS is moving towards the real implementation of a more robust and reliable refuelling infrastructure.
Aragon Hydrogen Foundation thanks the partners involved in this campaign for their coordination and commitment: TECNALIA, LUMIKER, and ENAGAS.
