Safety is a fundamental pillar in the development and deployment of hydrogen as an energy vector. In this context, the Aragon Hydrogen Foundation (FHa) has recently completed the first phase of demonstration tests with fibre optic sensors, a key initiative within the European OPTHYCS project.
During three intense days, the FHa technical team worked side by side with colleagues from LUMIKER, TECNALIA and ENAGAS. The main objective of these tests was to validate the ability of new fibre optic sensors to detect hydrogen leaks (H₂) early and with high accuracy, as well as to evaluate their performance under various conditions of concentration, pressure, flow and location.
Details of tests performed: The simulations were carried out in a specifically designed and monitored ad-hoc test rig, which allowed a thorough control of each parameter. Different configurations of fibre optic sensors were tested and different simulated leakage typologies were applied, including point leakage and programmed leakage ramps, both progressive and stepwise.
First results and conclusions: More than 15 trials were conducted, generating a large amount of data that will be analysed in depth over the coming weeks. However, some very promising preliminary conclusions have already been drawn:
- Excellent overall performance of the detection system was observed for different hydrogen fluxes.
- The sensitivity of the sensors to environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity was confirmed, a crucial factor for the design of robust monitoring systems in real environments.
- These tests are a vital step in the validation of new fibre optic sensor technologies developed by the OPTHYCS project partners.
- The project aims to significantly raise the safety level of hydrogen applications along the entire value chain: from production to storage and distribution. This includes both new infrastructures specifically designed for pure H₂, as well as reused facilities and pipelines that originally transported natural gas.
The Aragon Hydrogen Foundation and its partners in OPTHYCS are committed to the safe and economically viable deployment of hydrogen production, transport and storage processes, thus contributing to a cleaner, safer and more efficient energy future for all.
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